Too Early 2023 5-Round Mock

[*ochocincos*]

1) Quentin Johnston, WR TCU (6'3", 193 lb) - While I don't think Johnston is a Day 1 starter, I think he has good potential and can take a year to groom as a WR4 and then take over for Higgins when Higgins likely leaves in FA the following year. If Jordan Addison is available when Bengals pick, I'd rather have him though.

2) Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa (6'4", 250 lb) - Another TE from TE-U. LaPorta is a good receiver but also has blocking experience playing at Iowa. LaPorta can come in and be a Day 1 starter at TE, in my opinion.

3) Sean Tucker, RB Syracuse (5'10", 210 lb) - Good power and size to play between the tackles, sufficient speed to run outside and get some longer runs, and good hands to catch out of the backfield. Tucker put up 1496 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and 14 total TDs last season. Dude could be a good replacement for Mixon or help create a 1-2 punch with Chris Evans.

4) Habakkuk Baldonado, DE Pitt (6'5", 260 lb) - Ideal sized DE who uses his size and length to impact both as a pass rusher and stuffing the run. Baldonado really took a leap in 2021 with 41 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 9.0 sacks.

5) Kendrick Duncan Jr, SS Louisville (6'3", 225 lb) - Versatile safety who can play in the box and cover. He's not quite as talented as Dax Hill in coverage, but I see him being a potential guy to replace Vonn Bell or play that 3rd safety role that can fill in at either spot.

[Emeritus]

I love most of these prospects as potential fits for the Bengals! I'm not as big on that particular pass rusher as most but I'd certainly understand the selection. I like the DT on that front a bit better even though undersized. Nice mock overall.

[TecmoBengals]

(06-20-2022, 10:32 AM)ochocincos Wrote: 1) Quentin Johnston, WR TCU (6'3", 193 lb) - While I don't think Johnston is a Day 1 starter, I think he has good potential and can take a year to groom as a WR4 and then take over for Higgins when Higgins likely leaves in FA the following year. If Jordan Addison is available when Bengals pick, I'd rather have him though.

2) Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa (6'4", 250 lb) - Another TE from TE-U. LaPorta is a good receiver but also has blocking experience playing at Iowa. LaPorta can come in and be a Day 1 starter at TE, in my opinion.

3) Sean Tucker, RB Syracuse (5'10", 210 lb) - Good power and size to play between the tackles, sufficient speed to run outside and get some longer runs, and good hands to catch out of the backfield. Tucker put up 1496 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and 14 total TDs last season. Dude could be a good replacement for Mixon or help create a 1-2 punch with Chris Evans.

If you perfectly nail the first three rounds again, it's time for a forum change name to FutureMan.

[*ochocincos*]

(06-23-2022, 09:20 AM)TecmoBengals Wrote: If you perfectly nail the first three rounds again, it's time for a forum change name to FutureMan.

Lol one can only hope.

EDIT - The one I'm most unsure about is Johnston. Only played 8 games each of the past two seasons, only 55 receptions in his college career. But he's a big WR who can play inside and out, and he makes big plays. I think this season will be very important for where he'll ultimately land. But TCU's only passed 310 times last year. If we see them pass more, maybe (hopefully) Johnston will put up 1000+ yards and 8+ TDs to help him earn a 1st round selection.

[*ochocincos*]

(06-21-2022, 02:12 PM)Emeritus Wrote:

I love most of these prospects as potential fits for the Bengals! I'm not as big on that particular pass rusher as most but I'd certainly understand the selection. I like the DT on that front a bit better even though undersized. Nice mock overall.

I went with Baldonado because I think he's an upgrade at DE4 over what the Bengals currently have. He can play the run and rush the passer. Maybe not elite, but he can do both vs being a specialist. You need guys like that.

I don't think there's much room to add DTs with Bengals having Reader, Hill, Shelvin, Tupou, and Carter under contract for 2023. 3 of those guys are under contract beyond 2023.

Bengals seem to prefer adding some cheap veterans at CB for depth, and they'll have CTB with a year under his belt too. So I don't think CB needs addressed in Rd 4.

I was initially looking at LB, but I couldn't find a LB projected around late Rd 4 (at least that I had interest in).
That may change as we get through the season and start seeing players move around prospect rankings.
But Bengals might also feel their LBs are set pretty good for next season between Wilson, Bailey, and ADG for 2023 (assuming Pratt doesn't re-sign too, which he could).

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(06-20-2022, 10:32 AM)ochocincos Wrote: 1) Quentin Johnston, WR TCU (6'3", 193 lb) - While I don't think Johnston is a Day 1 starter, I think he has good potential and can take a year to groom as a WR4 and then take over for Higgins when Higgins likely leaves in FA the following year. If Jordan Addison is available when Bengals pick, I'd rather have him though.

2) Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa (6'4", 250 lb) - Another TE from TE-U. LaPorta is a good receiver but also has blocking experience playing at Iowa. LaPorta can come in and be a Day 1 starter at TE, in my opinion.

3) Sean Tucker, RB Syracuse (5'10", 210 lb) - Good power and size to play between the tackles, sufficient speed to run outside and get some longer runs, and good hands to catch out of the backfield. Tucker put up 1496 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and 14 total TDs last season. Dude could be a good replacement for Mixon or help create a 1-2 punch with Chris Evans.

4) Habakkuk Baldonado, DE Pitt (6'5", 260 lb) - Ideal sized DE who uses his size and length to impact both as a pass rusher and stuffing the run. Baldonado really took a leap in 2021 with 41 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 9.0 sacks.

5) Kendrick Duncan Jr, SS Louisville (6'3", 225 lb) - Versatile safety who can play in the box and cover. He's not quite as talented as Dax Hill in coverage, but I see him being a potential guy to replace Vonn Bell or play that 3rd safety role that can fill in at either spot.

I like it Ocho. Didn't know anything about these guys besides LaPorta who I obviously would love in stripes. Tucker sounds 
like a good one at RB to replace Mixon. Versatile sounds like, how good is he at blitz pickup is my question as it is always my
biggest question with RB's. It is the most important aspect in their game. If the RB cannot block he is pretty much worthless.

Doesn't matter how good a RB is running the ball if he whiffs blocking for the QB.

Baldonado also sounds like a good player to add, always need pass rushers. Him being able to stuff the run too is sweet.

Good job.

[*ochocincos*]

(07-01-2022, 05:42 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: I like it Ocho. Didn't know anything about these guys besides LaPorta who I obviously would love in stripes. Tucker sounds 
like a good one at RB to replace Mixon. Versatile sounds like, how good is he at blitz pickup is my question as it is always my
biggest question with RB's. It is the most important aspect in their game. If the RB cannot block he is pretty much worthless.

Doesn't matter how good a RB is running the ball if he whiffs blocking for the QB.

Baldonado also sounds like a good player to add, always need pass rushers. Him being able to stuff the run too is sweet.

Good job.

per NFL Draft Diamonds, Sean Tucker's above average in pass protection.
https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2022/05/sean-tucker/

Quote:He is above average in pass pro as he locates the blitzing defender, and squares up using his good play strength and UOH to negate the progress of LB with good size and solid AA blitzing through the A or B gap.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(07-04-2022, 01:36 PM)ochocincos Wrote: per NFL Draft Diamonds, Sean Tucker's above average in pass protection.
https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2022/05/sean-tucker/

Alright. Down for Sean Tucker big time then.

[Goalpost]

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/trenton-simpson-lb-clemson-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/

This guy has drawn early interest to watch some. Don't know if we would take a LB in round 1.

[*ochocincos*]

(07-19-2022, 06:03 PM)Goalpost Wrote: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/trenton-simpson-lb-clemson-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/

This guy has drawn early interest to watch some.  Don't know if we would take a LB in round 1.

LB may be in play, but we've seen Bengals going LB primarily in Rds 3-4 in recent years, not Rd 1-2.
Given the guys coming up within a year or so who will either hit FA or need a big contract extension, I'm expecting it's going to be an offensive weapon, LT, DE, or DB in play for Rd 1.
I leaned WR because Bengals have to worry about both Higgins and Boyd, who are entering final year under contract in 2023.
Bengals could want to get a WR to groom for a year and then have that WR take over as WR2/3 for impending Higgins or Boyd departure.

[Goalpost]

(07-20-2022, 12:30 PM)ochocincos Wrote: LB may be in play, but we've seen Bengals going LB primarily in Rds 3-4 in recent years, not Rd 1-2.
Given the guys coming up within a year or so who will either hit FA or need a big contract extension, I'm expecting it's going to be an offensive weapon, LT, DE, or DB in play for Rd 1.
I leaned WR because Bengals have to worry about both Higgins and Boyd, who are entering final year under contract in 2023.
Bengals could want to get a WR to groom for a year and then have that WR take over as WR2/3 for impending Higgins or Boyd departure.

Yea.  Wr is definitely a need.  Especially with the way the other clubs threw money at them last year.  The bar was raised and Higgins will be desirable.   

[XenoMorph]

(06-20-2022, 10:32 AM)ochocincos Wrote: 1) Quentin Johnston, WR TCU (6'3", 193 lb) - While I don't think Johnston is a Day 1 starter, I think he has good potential and can take a year to groom as a WR4 and then take over for Higgins when Higgins likely leaves in FA the following year. If Jordan Addison is available when Bengals pick, I'd rather have him though.

2) Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa (6'4", 250 lb) - Another TE from TE-U. LaPorta is a good receiver but also has blocking experience playing at Iowa. LaPorta can come in and be a Day 1 starter at TE, in my opinion.

3) Sean Tucker, RB Syracuse (5'10", 210 lb) - Good power and size to play between the tackles, sufficient speed to run outside and get some longer runs, and good hands to catch out of the backfield. Tucker put up 1496 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and 14 total TDs last season. Dude could be a good replacement for Mixon or help create a 1-2 punch with Chris Evans.

4) Habakkuk Baldonado, DE Pitt (6'5", 260 lb) - Ideal sized DE who uses his size and length to impact both as a pass rusher and stuffing the run. Baldonado really took a leap in 2021 with 41 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 9.0 sacks.

5) Kendrick Duncan Jr, SS Louisville (6'3", 225 lb) - Versatile safety who can play in the box and cover. He's not quite as talented as Dax Hill in coverage, but I see him being a potential guy to replace Vonn Bell or play that 3rd safety role that can fill in at either spot.

The bengals give the Sewell Crowd what they Wanted... and Draft Sewell in Round 1

Noah Sewell  LB


lol

[BFritz21]

I love the second pick but I'd rather draft linemen to battle for starting spots or at least provide depth with the first and third rounders.

Burrow can make anyone look good and we'll be able to find free agents wanting to play with him if Higgins leaves next year.

I do like Johnson's big play ability and his height (how he goes up to get the ball), so the value might be too much to pass up on.

He could go in the top ten of the second round, so maybe we trade back a few spots from 32 to pick up an extra pick and still grab him.

[*ochocincos*]

(07-21-2022, 11:18 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: I love the second pick but I'd rather draft linemen to battle for starting spots or at least provide depth with the first and third rounders.

Burrow can make anyone look good and we'll be able to find free agents wanting to play with him if Higgins leaves next year.

I do like Johnson's big play ability and his height (how he goes up to get the ball), so the value might be too much to pass up on.

He could go in the top ten of the second round, so maybe we trade back a few spots from 32 to pick up an extra pick and still grab him.

I'd have a hard time picking an OL in the early rounds only to ride the bench the first two years.
And they'd be riding the bench behind Collins, Cappa, Karras, and (hopefully re-signed) Jonah Williams.
Totally on board with taking an IOL early though if LG isn't solidified this year.
I made an assumption that someone solidified LG this year and the Bengals re-sign Jonah, thus setting the starting OL through 2024.

[BFritz21]

(07-22-2022, 09:41 AM)ochocincos Wrote: I'd have a hard time picking an OL in the early rounds only to ride the bench the first two years.
And they'd be riding the bench behind Collins, Cappa, Karras, and (hopefully re-signed) Jonah Williams.
Totally on board with taking an IOL early though if LG isn't solidified this year.
I made an assumption that someone solidified LG this year and the Bengals re-sign Jonah, thus setting the starting OL through 2024.

Fair enough.

I like Johnston in the first, and I might be bias since I know him and he went to my high school, but I'd rather trade up and take Michael Mayer (Baby Gronk) in the first because we will get the next great tight end to pair with Chase and Burrow and I think it would make our offense unstoppable.

[*ochocincos*]

(07-22-2022, 10:03 AM)BFritz21 Wrote: Fair enough.

I like Johnston in the first, and I might be bias since I know him and he went to my high school, but I'd rather trade up and take Michael Mayer (Baby Gronk) in the first because we will get the next great tight end to pair with Chase and Burrow and I think it would make our offense unstoppable.

I would love Mayer, but when was the last time the Bengals traded up in the 1st round?

[BFritz21]

(07-22-2022, 10:21 AM)ochocincos Wrote: I would love Mayer, but when was the last time the Bengals traded up in the 1st round?

True but then you have to think that there’s a lot of things that we’re doing now that we haven’t done before.

I’m pretty sure if Taylor says “I want Mayer,” Tobin will go get him (or maybe Taylor will since it seems like Mike’s out of the picture).

Aside from what he can do on the field, he’d bring in so much money in merchandise and ticket sales as the hometown kid.

[*ochocincos*]

(07-22-2022, 10:42 AM)BFritz21 Wrote: True but then you have to think that there’s a lot of things that we’re doing now that we haven’t done before.

I’m pretty sure if Taylor says “I want Mayer,” Tobin will go get him (or maybe Taylor will since it seems like Mike’s out of the picture).

Aside from what he can do on the field, he’d bring in so much money in merchandise and ticket sales as the hometown kid.

I get it but it would really come down to how far Mayer would fall and where Bengals would normally pick.
I don't think they'd trade up 10+ spots to get a TE.
And given I think Mayer is around mid-Rd 1 and Bengals should (hopefully) be picking 25th or later, I'm not going to mock any trade up for Mayer yet.

[BFritz21]

(07-22-2022, 02:15 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I get it but it would really come down to how far Mayer would fall and where Bengals would normally pick.
I don't think they'd trade up 10+ spots to get a TE.
And given I think Mayer is around mid-Rd 1 and Bengals should (hopefully) be picking 25th or later, I'm not going to mock any trade up for Mayer yet.

Yeah. I see him going off the board at 15 or so and, like I said, I think we'll be picking 31st or 32nd.

Maybe we can re-tag Bates and trade him to move up but I don't see his agent letting that happen. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(07-22-2022, 02:15 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I get it but it would really come down to how far Mayer would fall and where Bengals would normally pick.
I don't think they'd trade up 10+ spots to get a TE.
And given I think Mayer is around mid-Rd 1 and Bengals should (hopefully) be picking 25th or later, I'm not going to mock any trade up for Mayer yet.

That is a safe assumption IMO.

Would love it if it happened just seems pretty out there that we would trade up that far for Mayer even though I would be
for it as he clearly looks like the next great TE to come out of Notre Dame. I know I am not having him in any of my Mocks
unless we disappoint big time this season and are picking in the teens.