02-06-2018, 07:13 PM
I wanted to give me some more time to watch tape as I was pretty behind this year. I even had to wait a few days to catch up on all the Senior Bowl stuff that happened and to watch videos and tape. With that said, I'm pretty caught up outside of a few prospects I want to see more of.
With that said, here's my first 2018 Mock Draft. Tear it apart, bring up other prospects you like, let me know what you like/dislike, etc.
Round 1. Quenton Nelson, OG. Notre Dame
I know what many of you are thinking "there's no way he falls to us". Well, I disagree, and here's why: Offensive guards aren't always a top pick. They fall, remember David DeCastro? Not only that, but with the rise likes or Hernandez, Wynn, and Price, many teams at the top of the board may put it into consideration that they can grab another top quality guy in the beginning of the 2nd. We've seen guards fall before.
But about the player; Nelson is by MILES the best offensive lineman in this draft. The Bengals have a huge question mark at offensive guard, and yes, I know Westerman and Redmond did decent in a few games, but Nelson is on a totally different level. He possesses heavy hands along with a thick frame that makes it hard for defenders to disengage. He moves defenders back consistently, and has amazing awareness:
Nelson plays well with pad level. He keeps leverage and is the best run blocking lineman in this draft. He hits at the second and third level frequently after engaging in his first block. He's an anchor in the passing game and because of his thick frame it's hard for defenders to get around him. The Bengals need to get better in the run game, and Nelson would immediately improve that from the start.
Round 2. Isaiah Wynn, OT/G/C. Georgia
The Bengals double dip when it comes to offensive lineman. With Frank Pollack coming over, you have to think he's going to want his own players. Wynn fits what the Bengals like. Although he doesn't have the ideal frame for an offensive tackle, his game tape says otherwise. He's shown he can do power gap and zone blocking throughout his career. He has sound technique and is extremely aggressive throughout the entire play, plays with a nasty streak. He can navigate through traffic to make blocks at the second level and is above average in terms of athleticism. He generates an inside hand push and fires off the ball. He will have to refine some hand placement techniques and will need to have quicker feet in the NFL. He also will need to work on lower body strength when it comes to left tackle in the NFL, but he shows the ability to step out wide and anchor. Wynn is an extremely good player and if he can't make the cut at LT, you can move him inside and he will still excel.
Round 3. Mike Gesicki, TE. Penn State
Understandable that many people are fans of Kroft, but he is a dime a dozen. Mike Gesicki is an athletic tight end and resembles Tyler Eifert in numerous ways. He attacks the seams and can run down the field, he also positions himself and can contort his body to catch the ball. Great arm length, excellent hands, and attacks the ball at it's highest point. He's a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties, as he's very quick and has a burst. Gesicki is a red zone weapon and was depended upon countless times in third down situations, where he won more than he lost. He shows everything you want in a receiving tight end, good routes, body control, big frame, isn't afraid to leap for the ball, and many more. His biggest issue is his blocking. He doesn't anchor well and will get driven back. He lacks blocking technique and doesn't possess much strength to push back opponents. He has tremendous upside as a receiver and should be used as such. If the Bengals are looking to replace Tyler Eifert with a receiving weapon, Gesicki is just that.
Round 4. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB. USC
Nwosu is a linebacker with speed. He transitioned from safety to linebacker, and we all know how much Marvin has loved players like that. Some people may see him as an 3-4 outside linebacker, but he also displays the ability to play in a 4-3 defense. He has pass rushing ability which is always nice to have when you want to blitz with the linebacker, but he excels in pass coverage. He has the speed and athleticism to run with just about anybody. Nwosu has great pursuit of the ball and is an instinctual player. He also has shown to be a leader on defense. He possesses great awareness and rarely gets beaten on fakes. Nwosu has tremendous upside and I personally like him a lot.
Round 5. Austin Corbett, C/OT. Nevada
The Bengals NEED to draft a center who can at least push Bodine (because let's face it, he's most likely back). Corbett has very sound technique. He does need to work on better strength and may struggle with bigger lineman, but his issues can be coached. He has great feet and has fierce hands that can push defenders back. He doesn't panic and seems to have a solid understanding of what the defense is about to do, allowing him to recover and make assignment adjustments. My favorite thing about him, personally, is his ability to read twists and know how to block it rather than have no idea what to do. He needs some ironing out, but there's some quality things to like about Corbett.
Round 6. DaSean Hamilton, WR. Penn State
I know I'm double dipping with Penn State, but this is a guy I've liked a lot. He's a slot receiver, but he could also be used on the outside. He had a very good Senior Bowl and stuck out compared to competition. He's quick in and out of his routes, and has shown he can catch the ball over the middle while getting hit. Hamilton has shown that he gets yards after the catch and has strength. Unselfish guy as he will block and doesn't take plays off. He lacks a second gear, however, and isn't exactly the fastest player on the field. He plays at one speed and doesn't have an initial burst off the line. This is a guy who will put in the work and is a solid contributor.
Round 7. Kyle Lauletta, QB. Richmond
Okay, I'm making this pick for several reasons. One: A scout I talk to has been raving about this guy BEFORE the Senior Bowl. Two: It allows the Bengals to trade McCarron without worrying about anything. Three: I just REALLY like the way he plays. He's a gun slinger. Of course, being a gun slinger results in turnovers. His stock is going to be on the rise after the Senior Bowl, so he definitely could be drafted before this. But, it's always speculation with mocks.
With that said, here's my first 2018 Mock Draft. Tear it apart, bring up other prospects you like, let me know what you like/dislike, etc.
Round 1. Quenton Nelson, OG. Notre Dame
I know what many of you are thinking "there's no way he falls to us". Well, I disagree, and here's why: Offensive guards aren't always a top pick. They fall, remember David DeCastro? Not only that, but with the rise likes or Hernandez, Wynn, and Price, many teams at the top of the board may put it into consideration that they can grab another top quality guy in the beginning of the 2nd. We've seen guards fall before.
But about the player; Nelson is by MILES the best offensive lineman in this draft. The Bengals have a huge question mark at offensive guard, and yes, I know Westerman and Redmond did decent in a few games, but Nelson is on a totally different level. He possesses heavy hands along with a thick frame that makes it hard for defenders to disengage. He moves defenders back consistently, and has amazing awareness:
(You can clearly tell who he is on that play)Quenton Nelson (LG #56) is an elite prospect. Blocks like this are why ? pic.twitter.com/JQVRte6XM8
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) January 29, 2018
Nelson plays well with pad level. He keeps leverage and is the best run blocking lineman in this draft. He hits at the second and third level frequently after engaging in his first block. He's an anchor in the passing game and because of his thick frame it's hard for defenders to get around him. The Bengals need to get better in the run game, and Nelson would immediately improve that from the start.
Round 2. Isaiah Wynn, OT/G/C. Georgia
The Bengals double dip when it comes to offensive lineman. With Frank Pollack coming over, you have to think he's going to want his own players. Wynn fits what the Bengals like. Although he doesn't have the ideal frame for an offensive tackle, his game tape says otherwise. He's shown he can do power gap and zone blocking throughout his career. He has sound technique and is extremely aggressive throughout the entire play, plays with a nasty streak. He can navigate through traffic to make blocks at the second level and is above average in terms of athleticism. He generates an inside hand push and fires off the ball. He will have to refine some hand placement techniques and will need to have quicker feet in the NFL. He also will need to work on lower body strength when it comes to left tackle in the NFL, but he shows the ability to step out wide and anchor. Wynn is an extremely good player and if he can't make the cut at LT, you can move him inside and he will still excel.
Round 3. Mike Gesicki, TE. Penn State
Understandable that many people are fans of Kroft, but he is a dime a dozen. Mike Gesicki is an athletic tight end and resembles Tyler Eifert in numerous ways. He attacks the seams and can run down the field, he also positions himself and can contort his body to catch the ball. Great arm length, excellent hands, and attacks the ball at it's highest point. He's a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties, as he's very quick and has a burst. Gesicki is a red zone weapon and was depended upon countless times in third down situations, where he won more than he lost. He shows everything you want in a receiving tight end, good routes, body control, big frame, isn't afraid to leap for the ball, and many more. His biggest issue is his blocking. He doesn't anchor well and will get driven back. He lacks blocking technique and doesn't possess much strength to push back opponents. He has tremendous upside as a receiver and should be used as such. If the Bengals are looking to replace Tyler Eifert with a receiving weapon, Gesicki is just that.
Round 4. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB. USC
Nwosu is a linebacker with speed. He transitioned from safety to linebacker, and we all know how much Marvin has loved players like that. Some people may see him as an 3-4 outside linebacker, but he also displays the ability to play in a 4-3 defense. He has pass rushing ability which is always nice to have when you want to blitz with the linebacker, but he excels in pass coverage. He has the speed and athleticism to run with just about anybody. Nwosu has great pursuit of the ball and is an instinctual player. He also has shown to be a leader on defense. He possesses great awareness and rarely gets beaten on fakes. Nwosu has tremendous upside and I personally like him a lot.
Round 5. Austin Corbett, C/OT. Nevada
The Bengals NEED to draft a center who can at least push Bodine (because let's face it, he's most likely back). Corbett has very sound technique. He does need to work on better strength and may struggle with bigger lineman, but his issues can be coached. He has great feet and has fierce hands that can push defenders back. He doesn't panic and seems to have a solid understanding of what the defense is about to do, allowing him to recover and make assignment adjustments. My favorite thing about him, personally, is his ability to read twists and know how to block it rather than have no idea what to do. He needs some ironing out, but there's some quality things to like about Corbett.
Round 6. DaSean Hamilton, WR. Penn State
I know I'm double dipping with Penn State, but this is a guy I've liked a lot. He's a slot receiver, but he could also be used on the outside. He had a very good Senior Bowl and stuck out compared to competition. He's quick in and out of his routes, and has shown he can catch the ball over the middle while getting hit. Hamilton has shown that he gets yards after the catch and has strength. Unselfish guy as he will block and doesn't take plays off. He lacks a second gear, however, and isn't exactly the fastest player on the field. He plays at one speed and doesn't have an initial burst off the line. This is a guy who will put in the work and is a solid contributor.
Round 7. Kyle Lauletta, QB. Richmond
Okay, I'm making this pick for several reasons. One: A scout I talk to has been raving about this guy BEFORE the Senior Bowl. Two: It allows the Bengals to trade McCarron without worrying about anything. Three: I just REALLY like the way he plays. He's a gun slinger. Of course, being a gun slinger results in turnovers. His stock is going to be on the rise after the Senior Bowl, so he definitely could be drafted before this. But, it's always speculation with mocks.
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