01-24-2019, 12:23 AM
Too hard to predict Free Agency acquisitions, especially with entire new coaching staff. So, I tried to fill in each need in the draft. With as many picks as there are, it was possible.
Browns traded up to get Denzel Ward a running mate at pick 11 - they snagged Greedy Williams, LSU. We got in return the 17th & 49th picks (17th pick in 1st and 2nd rounds). Unfortunately Devin White was gone by this point.
17: R1P17
OT JONAH WILLIAMS, 6'5" 301 lbs. ALABAMA
Stud of an OT that should be plug and play at RT. Smart and reliable is the way he is described. Played for Bama so has practiced and played against the best NCAA has to offer. 5 Star recruit. Started every game last three years - 1st year at RT and last two years at LT. 'Second to none in athleticism' PFW says...estimated to run 5.13. No 'lock down' tackle available at this point but, provided the state of the Bengals OL, I'd be thrilled to have an upgrade such as this over Bobbie Hart.
42: R2P10
LB MACK WILSON, 6'1" 235 lbs. ALABAMA
Back to Bama w/ a three down linebacker and a thumper...we desperately need this guy. Jack Del Rio loves him some LB'ers, which makes sense. (Check out JDR's linebacker draft picks w/ the Raiders.) Needs to gain some weight, but should be starting day 1.
49: R2P17
WR A.J. BROWN, 6'1" 225 lbs. 'OLE MISS
Zac likes big receivers (as have been drafted last 2 yrs by Rams). AJ has decent size but plays bigger than listed. Big YAC skills. Finally give the other AJ a #2. Move Boyd to slot. Rams run 3 WR a vast majority of the time. Surprised he is still here at this point but he isn't a speedster so he could drop. Dalton is one of the best in the league at quick release and this cat loves to get yards after the catch (as does Boyd and Green). He's a solid #2 and a great fit.
72: R3P8
S CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JOHNSON, 5'11" 207 lbs. FLORIDA
I like how he can play CB or S. He would provide depth at either position. Dre and Dennard aren't old but ain't gettin' younger. WJ3 was a let down this season. Good to add talent and youth to the defensive backfield. Projected to run around 4.48 to 4.50. Should be able to contribute right away as nickle corner and then hopefully develop into a starting role.
110: R4P8
G CHRIS LINDSTROM, 6'3" 307 lbs. Boston College
Plug and play starter that we badly need to upgrade our pathetic offensive line. Not as high ceiling as Zietler but is a quality starter in the league and a def upgrade for Bengals. Potential to play tackle with his size.
150: R5P11
TE JOSH OLIVER, 6'5" 250 lbs. San Jose State
Pass catching TE that will cause mismatchs for defenses. Will need to develop as a blocker but we have other TE's who have that skill set. Also reports say he'll need to develop as a route runner. Zac will want passing options to include TEs out wide or in the slot therefore, Josh Oliver. I'd like to see us get Max Williams in FA but not assuming any FA signings in this mock. So, let Oliver battle Kroft out for 3rd TE spot (assuming we bring back all three TEs).
185: R6P10
LB KHALIL HODGE, 6'1" 240 lbs. Buffalo
144 tackles in 2018. Damn. We need more help with LB’er and this dude is also potentially a 3 down linebacker. Three seasons of over 100 tackles. Love to see Mack and Hodge work out for us.
201: R6P26
CB BLACE BROWN 6' 184 lbs. Troy
Whooped up on Tryee Jackson and Anthony Johnson during a December bowl game. Led Troy in upset over LSU his junior year. 12 career INTs. Needs some polish as his play isn’t too disciplined. Isn’t afraid to make a hit. Again secondary is getting older. Blace could compete well for last spot of CB group.
212: R6P37
DL Jonathan Ledbetter 6'3" 277 lbs. Georgia
Got to get someone out of Georgia in the draft...Great size and frame. Heavy handed hardnose player. Should be able to play Frostee Rucker role of being back up to both DL positions. Average athleticism and explosiveness. Some minor off the field issues to keep an eye on.
214: R6P39
QB TRACE MCSORLEY 6' 201 lbs. Penn State
Size and only decent arm strength make him a long shot to make a NFL roster. However, his toughness, quick processing speed and attitude make him a potential back up. Like to see him compete with Driscoll. Perhaps motivate Jeff to take next step. Love this kids fire...reminds me of Baker Mayfield. Saquon said of Trace's NFL prospects 'Just watch!' Jon Gruden compared him yesterday to Rich Gannon and Jeff Garcia. Due to limitations in size and arm strength he has always had an uphill battle...making the Bengals roster will be another.
RB/FB Qadree Ollison, 6'2" 230lbs. Pttsburgh
Pitt has long tradition of great RBs. Maybe get lucky and snag the next James Conner. Dude averaged 6.3 YPC this year. Mixon shouldn’t come off the field except when tired or if injured. So we need a big back that can act as a back up. Don’t need another scat back (unless it’s Eric Bieniemy as OC). Two spots available - let Gio, Mark and this cat compete for them.
225: R7P9
...no idea honestly.
QB Dalton/ Driscoll or McSorley
RB Mixon, Gio, and Walton or Ollison
WR Green, Boyd, Ross, AJ Brown, Erickson, Tate/Core/Malone (let them compete for final spot)
TE Eifert (another 1 yr prove it deal), CJ, Oliver
OT Glenn, Jonah Williams, Hart, Andre,
G Boling, Lindstrom, Hopkins, Westerman
C Price
DE Dunlap, Hubbard, Lawson, Willis
DT Geno, Billings, A. Washington, Glasgow, J. Ledbetter
LB Preston, Mack Williams, Evans, Vigil, Malik Jefferson, Khalil Hodge
CB Dre K., WJ3, D. Dennard, D. Phillips, D. Harris, Blace Brown
S Williams, Bates, CJF, Chauncey Gardener-Johnson