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Most mock drafts for the Cincinnati Bengals don't feature many surprises.
The Bengals are a simple enough team to control during a mock draft, after all. Every layer of the Al Golden-coordinated defense needs help and the team would be wise to invest more in the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow.
It's not often the Bengals land a massive steal in a mock draft that goes beyond Round 1, though. A good example is the latest seven-round effort from The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs, who has the team selecting North Dakota State lineman Grey Zabel at No. 17:
"The wide receivers both got their big investments in the form of new contracts, and now, for as much as the Bengals may need extra help on defense, it's time for the Bengals to ensure they've got the right pieces around the cornerstones to protect their investments. That includes drafting a position-flexible OL like Grey Zabel here in the top 20."
More interesting, though? That steal in the second round.
RELATED:Bengals players who could get traded during 2025 NFL draft
There, the Bengals luck into Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a guy mock drafts sometimes have the Bengals taking in the first round. Here, they get him at No. 49 overall.
Pearce is one of the higher-upside prospects in the draft and just last year put up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Edge rushers with his profile don't tend to last into the second round in most classes, so barring his being off their board entirely, the Bengals would probably sprint to the podium to make the pick.
Make no mistake, Zabel in Round 1 is really good, too. Going into the season with Lucas Patrick and Cody Ford as unquestioned starters at guard isn't the best idea. But adding Pearce's traits to the pass-rushing rotation alongside Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy at a second-round value would be fantastic, too.
RELATED: Bengals hosted one of NFL draft's most interesting QBs on visit
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals luck into shocking steal in Round 2 of an NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
The Bengals are a simple enough team to control during a mock draft, after all. Every layer of the Al Golden-coordinated defense needs help and the team would be wise to invest more in the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow.
It's not often the Bengals land a massive steal in a mock draft that goes beyond Round 1, though. A good example is the latest seven-round effort from The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs, who has the team selecting North Dakota State lineman Grey Zabel at No. 17:
"The wide receivers both got their big investments in the form of new contracts, and now, for as much as the Bengals may need extra help on defense, it's time for the Bengals to ensure they've got the right pieces around the cornerstones to protect their investments. That includes drafting a position-flexible OL like Grey Zabel here in the top 20."
More interesting, though? That steal in the second round.
RELATED:Bengals players who could get traded during 2025 NFL draft
There, the Bengals luck into Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a guy mock drafts sometimes have the Bengals taking in the first round. Here, they get him at No. 49 overall.
Pearce is one of the higher-upside prospects in the draft and just last year put up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Edge rushers with his profile don't tend to last into the second round in most classes, so barring his being off their board entirely, the Bengals would probably sprint to the podium to make the pick.
Make no mistake, Zabel in Round 1 is really good, too. Going into the season with Lucas Patrick and Cody Ford as unquestioned starters at guard isn't the best idea. But adding Pearce's traits to the pass-rushing rotation alongside Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy at a second-round value would be fantastic, too.
RELATED: Bengals hosted one of NFL draft's most interesting QBs on visit
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals luck into shocking steal in Round 2 of an NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
