X- Simulator Mock: The Ultimate Unsexy Draft

[*SHRacerX*]

Not going for WRs that will ride the pine, RBs that will sit on the practice squad, QBs that will never get a chance...

This is a nuts-and-bolts draft designed to build this team from the inside out:

12: R1P12
OT CONNOR WILLIAMS
TEXAS

46: R2P14
CB DUKE DAWSON
FLORIDA

77: R3P13
LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS
VIRGINIA TECH

100: R3P36
C MASON COLE
MICHIGAN

114: R4P12
TE MIKE GESICKI
PENN STATE

153: R5P14
SS STEVEN PARKER
OKLAHOMA

172: R5P33
LB MICAH KISER
VIRGINIA

191: R6P13
G VIANE TALAMAIVAO
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

251: R7P32
OT COLE MADISON
WASHINGTON STATE

253: R7P34
DL FILIPO MOKOFISI
UTAH

254: R7P35
DL FRANK HERRON
LSU

I would have really liked to look at trading back and drafting Billy Price, but this sim doesn't allow for that and if the Bengals feel strongly about him and they also believe Fisher will be back, I think they could go inside before looking at another early OT under Lazor's scheme and a new offensive line coach.

I also wonder if anyone thinks that Boling might be better suited to be the LT after his performance late in the season. It would be a lot easier to plug in a player like Westerman or Redmond at the vacated Guard spots versus starting a rookie at LT or just continuing to roll Ogbuehi out there.

The Bengals don't need a TE that can run a 4.5. The Bengals don't need the fastest CB in the draft. The Bengals don't need a WR with a 44 inch vertical. They need strength and speed in the middle of the field. The offensive line, the defensive line, the LB corps, and the safeties. All need dramatic upgrades in talent and depth. This draft wouldn't be sexy, but it would be the start of building a big, nasty team with an attitude.