Pre-Combine Mock

[*ochocincos*]

The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.

While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot

Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.

2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.

3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.

7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

[pulses]

(02-22-2022, 06:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.

While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot

Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.

2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.

3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.

7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

We are moving on from Boyd and for who? I see no draft picks or players mentioned? Just curious.

[WVUHomer]

(02-22-2022, 06:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.

While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot

Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.

2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.

3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.

7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

Like the thought of replacing Apple with one of these stud CBs. Personally would rather keep Boyd if possible, even if you just have to restructure to add void years to spread out the cap hit a bit. 

With Walker, is the plan to replace Williams with him in a few years or relegate him to back up only?

[*ochocincos*]

(02-22-2022, 08:02 PM)WVUHomer Wrote: Like the thought of replacing Apple with one of these stud CBs. Personally would rather keep Boyd if possible, even if you just have to restructure to add void years to spread out the cap hit a bit. 

With Walker, is the plan to replace Williams with him in a few years or relegate him to back up only?

In my mock, starting RT is filled with a vet who is 30+ years old, so the thought was to have that OT in place for a couple years until Walker could take over.
Seeing as Jonah Williams would also be coming off his rookie contract in 2 years, potentially replacing him with Walker also a possibility.

[*ochocincos*]

(02-22-2022, 07:59 PM)pulses Wrote: We are moving on from Boyd and for who? I see no draft picks or players mentioned? Just curious.

What do you mean?

Wan'Dale Robinson specifically mentioned as a player drafted to replace him with.
Also, as I mentioned in the beginning, a cheaper vet WR is added to be WR3/4.
Robinson and that vet compete for WR3 duties.

[pulses]

(02-22-2022, 08:18 PM)ochocincos Wrote: What do you mean?

Wan'Dale Robinson specifically mentioned as a player drafted to replace him with.
Also, as I mentioned in the beginning, a cheaper vet WR is added to be WR3/4.
Robinson and that vet compete for WR3 duties.

We drafted a guy to replace Boyd ok?  Did you trade him or what you didn't specify?

[*ochocincos*]

(02-22-2022, 08:22 PM)pulses Wrote: We drafted a guy to replace Boyd ok?  Did you trade him or what you didn't specify?

Doesn't really matter because it's more about freeing up the $$, which happens whether he's cut or traded.
If he can be traded, great, take the extra pick(s).
But since I have no idea what he could fetch in a trade, I just assumed released, which is bare minimum. It still frees up $7.3 mill and allows Boyd to go to a team that will utilize him more as a WR2.

[SunsetBengal]

(02-22-2022, 07:59 PM)pulses Wrote: We are moving on from Boyd and for who? I see no draft picks or players mentioned? Just curious.

It's literally in the post that you quoted, where he explained how they were going to replace Boyd..  

[WVUHomer]

(02-22-2022, 08:17 PM)ochocincos Wrote: In my mock, starting RT is filled with a vet who is 30+ years old, so the thought was to have that OT in place for a couple years until Walker could take over.
Seeing as Jonah Williams would also be coming off his rookie contract in 2 years, potentially replacing him with Walker also a possibility.

You see Walker able to play RT? I asked about that possibility in another thread I started. Would you consider taking Walker in 2 if yes?

[pulses]

(02-22-2022, 09:33 PM)WVUHomer Wrote: You see Walker able to play RT? I asked about that possibility in another thread I started. Would you consider taking Walker in 2 if yes?

Walker needs to get a whole lot stronger and work on his footwork. I don't see him playing much for a couple of years.

[*ochocincos*]

(02-22-2022, 09:33 PM)WVUHomer Wrote: You see Walker able to play RT? I asked about that possibility in another thread I started. Would you consider taking Walker in 2 if yes?

Walker has the size and skill set to succeed at either OT spot, but as pulses mentioned, he needs to build strength and work on some other things before he's ready to start.
Unfortunately, I don't see hardly any OT that I confidently could start if selected late Rd 2 or later.
All need work in some area that would give me hesitation putting them out there as a rookie.

[Schmitbuck]

(02-22-2022, 06:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.

While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot

Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.

2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.

3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.

7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

I like the idea of CB early and even think we could see a 2nd CB being taken this year. Been reading that there are lots of potential future starters at TE in the middle rounds so I like what you did there. 

Can't get behind the Boyd thing (this year). Next year in the last year of his deal would be great to get him to restructure/extend at a lower rate. He just comes across as such a team first guy that I want a veteran like that around to keep Chase & Higgins grounded. Plus, he's a 1,000 guy if either Chase or Higgins has an extended injury, he's great insurance to have. All that said, with them using high picks (and hitting) on WR the last two drafts, I don't think we see them using another high pick on the position even if Boyd is gone. I do think we see a WR taken this year in the middle to late rounds.

I know you said DL will be taken care of in free agency. I don't see them signing both Hill & Ogunjobi so there is an opening at back up 3T. I would like to a high upside pick there in the top half of the draft. 

I'd have to see who the OL signings are to see if I'd want OL drafted earlier than the 3rd, but there are only so many picks available. At the top of the draft, I think OL, CB, DT would be my ideal positions for a BPA pick.

[*ochocincos*]

(02-23-2022, 11:44 AM)Schmitbuck Wrote: I like the idea of CB early and even think we could see a 2nd CB being taken this year. Been reading that there are lots of potential future starters at TE in the middle rounds so I like what you did there. 

Can't get behind the Boyd thing (this year). Next year in the last year of his deal would be great to get him to restructure/extend at a lower rate. He just comes across as such a team first guy that I want a veteran like that around to keep Chase & Higgins grounded. Plus, he's a 1,000 guy if either Chase or Higgins has an extended injury, he's great insurance to have. All that said, with them using high picks (and hitting) on WR the last two drafts, I don't think we see them using another high pick on the position even if Boyd is gone. I do think we see a WR taken this year in the middle to late rounds.

I know you said DL will be taken care of in free agency. I don't see them signing both Hill & Ogunjobi so there is an opening at back up 3T. I would like to a high upside pick there in the top half of the draft. 

I'd have to see who the OL signings are to see if I'd want OL drafted earlier than the 3rd, but there are only so many picks available. At the top of the draft, I think OL, CB, DT would be my ideal positions for a BPA pick.

LG - Andrew Norwell
C - Brian Allen (would cut Hopkins to help cover his cost)
RG - James Daniels
RT - Morgan Moses

DTs I had either Ogunjobi or Hill returning, with Sheldon Richardson added as a rotational DL.

WR in FA is of course my guy Josh Reynolds. Reynolds should be cheap ($2 mill or so). Between him and Robinson, who was added in Rd 2, WR3 and WR4 are covered.

[oncemoreuntothejimbreech]

This a good example of what the Bengals could do in the draft if they’re able to sign the right free agent Olinemen.

[Hammerstripes]

Good God, what is the fascination with trading a starting WR these days? There's no need for it and there's no gaurantee that the next guy can even remotely fill his shoes. You don't tear down a Super Bowl team by giving away one its core players.

[BIGDADDYFROMCINCINNATI]

(02-28-2022, 02:41 PM)Hammerstripes Wrote: Good God, what is the fascination with trading a starting WR these days?  There's no need for it and there's no gaurantee that the next guy can even remotely fill his shoes.  You don't tear down a Super Bowl team by giving away one its core players.

[BIGDADDYFROMCINCINNATI]

Interesting that ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. changed his projected #1 pick for the Bengals to U of Washington's Kyle Gordon. For the record, I called it first.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/3/1/22956586/2022-nfl-mock-draft-mel-kiper-jr-bengals

[*ochocincos*]

(02-28-2022, 07:27 PM)BIGDADDYFROMCINCINNATI Wrote:

Please do not post your mock on someone else's mock.

[*ochocincos*]

(02-28-2022, 02:41 PM)Hammerstripes Wrote: Good God, what is the fascination with trading a starting WR these days?  There's no need for it and there's no gaurantee that the next guy can even remotely fill his shoes.  You don't tear down a Super Bowl team by giving away one its core players.

Is it not obvious?

The clear reason is to free up more cap to cover the OL, DL, and DB upgrades.
And I personally feel it's going to be easier to find a WR3 in the draft who can contribute well as a rookie compared to most other positions (especially DL or OL).

Bengals have had pretty good track record of getting good production from early-drafted WRs, so why not do it again and put the saved $7.1 mill toward another position?

If the Bengals can sign all their starting spots on OL, DL, CB, and S with quality FAs and stay under the cap, I'm fine keeping Boyd.
I just have my reservations they're going to be able to do that successfully without restructuring some contracts.

Also, let's not treat Boyd like he's a truly elite WR.
I like him, but he's dropped in production the past two years with the additions of Higgins and Chase.

Regular season - 828 yards, 5 TDs (lowest since before 2018).

Here was his production during the playoffs:
Raiders - 4rec for 26 yards
Titans - 2 rec for 17 yards
Chiefs - 4 rec for 19 yards
Rams - 5 rec for 48 yards

You're don't think the Bengals are good enough talent evaluators at WR to find one on Day 2 that could put up around those numbers?
I do.

[JungleRock85]

I like Elam and with other CB's rising like McDuffie, Gordon, and Booth I could see Elam still being available at 31 which we wouldn't have thought prior to this season when he seemed like a top 10 guy. I don't really like the Robinson pick feels like a reach as far as position and player. The rest of this mock is solid. Ferguson is underrated to me a bit but that is okay because then he slides to the 4th like you have and that is great value. Who Dey