We've been posting mock drafts almost daily over the past two weeks now and today was no exception. The folks over at Mocking the Draft have kicked it up a notch (or four) by releasing their five-round mock draft today. They really did their homework, noting each team's perceived needs and going through a mock draft, which even includes some compensatory picks, through five rounds.
Agree or disagree with the experts at MTD, but they claim that the Bengals 2012 needs, as they stand right now, are: cornerback, running back, safety, offensive guard, wide receiver, defensive end, defensive tackle and strong-side linebacker. Through the five rounds of their draft, they had the Bengals fulfilling six of those seven needs, leaving only strong side linebacker as unaddressed.
For their first pick at No. 17, they held the popular notion that the Bengals would take the embattled cornerback out of North Alabama, Janoris Jenkins. It seems that the Bengals still haven't shed their image of taking chances on "risky players", as Jenkins goes to the Bengals in most mock drafts we've published. At No. 21, MTD had the Bengals taking the big guard out of Georgia, Cordy Glenn. For those interested, Alabama's Trent Richardson went to Seattle at No. 12, and Stanford's David DeCastro went to Dallas at No.14. They have the Browns getting quite the first round haul, as they are mocked to snag Baylor quarterback, Robert Griffin III, and Miami running back Lamar Miller.
In the second round, MTD has the Bengals sensibly taking a running back. David Wilson out of Virgina Tech is projected to the Bengals here, which would be a pretty good value at that spot. What's interesting about this selection is that Boise State's Doug Martin was (theoretically) still on the board and they still had the Bengals going with Wilson. For those of you who are big fans of Alabama safety Mark Barron, he slid all the way to the middle of the second round in this mock, landing with the Jets.
They then have the Bengals looking back at defense in the third round, selecting Purdue defensive tackle, Kawaan Short. For those unfamiliar with Short, he is noted as being a relatively big tackle at 6'3", 310 pounds, but still maintains good athleticism. He is not a fit for many teams that run a 3-4 defense, but sounds like a prototypical, versatile Bengals defensive lineman.
In round four, the Bengals are projected to look back at shoring up their offense as they are mocked to take Arizona wide receiver, Juron Criner. He is a wideout who isn't heralded coming out of college, but he runs good routes, has good hands and isn't afraid to make a tough catch. I'm not sure if Criner is a player that could come in and immediately take over the No. 2 wide receiver spot for the Bengals, but he would definitely contribute.
The Bengals have two more selections in the fifth round, as they have New England's late pick from the Chad Ochocinco trade. For their first selection in the round, the have them taking a defensive lineman out of Clemson, Chandler Jones. He's an interesting player who was once viewed as a "'tweener", somewhere between a linebacker and defensive end. He fought a knee injury last season which caused his stock to drop, but he's apparently added weight to his frame, making him more imposing. Their second pick in the fifth round is projected as the safety out of Wisconsin, Aaron Henry. The Bengals don't typically use high-round picks on safeties (Robert Sands was drafted in the fifth round last year), so this makes sense. A lot of value was projected in the fifth round of this mock, as Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead and Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles were mocked in this round.
What do you think of this draft?
0 recs | 103 comments
I'd be happy with the 1st 3 picks
although if Martin is on the board, I think the Bengals would take him over Wilson. Jenkins gets differing reviews althoug hthe majority are pretty high on him. One Scott in particular said he plays bigger than his size. If he’s over his off the field issues, he would be a great pick up IMO. A lot of people don’t like Glenn but regardless the knock on his technique he seems to get the job done at a high level. I don’t know anything about Short. I like the Criner pick a lot. He really impressed in the Senior Bowl. Chandler Jones, actually from Syracuse, I think would actually be a great pick for the 5th round. I don’t know anything about Aaron Henry.
Oregonbengalsfan - February 2, 2012
Scott should be scout/draft analyst
His name happened to be Scott Wright with Draft Countdown. But after listening to another podcast with analysts/scouts from other sites, I heard much the same thing about Jenkins again. As a matter of fact, I don’t remember this guys name, but for a minute I thought it was the same guy, it almost sounded like the exact same thing I heard last night in the podcast with Scott Wright. But it was someone different from a different site.
Oregonbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
2 RB's in the first three picks
Stupid. Would be nice to have two great talents like them but we need to address other positions earlier in the draft
WhoDey14 - February 2, 2012
Gotta take Doug Martin in the 2nd over Wilson if he's there though
Love the Chandler Jones pick though. Representing my hometown Cuse!
WhoDey14 - February 2, 2012
RE:
Where are you seeing that the Bengals took two RBs in their first three picks? In this mock, they went CB, OG, RB.
Anthony Cosenza - February 2, 2012
He scanned the post and saw "Lamar Miller" and "David Wilson"
unfortunately he didn’t read and see Miller goes to the Browns…
balooko31 - February 2, 2012
2 RBs in the first 3 picks?
Oregonbengalsfan - February 2, 2012
meh
martin>wilson. fumbling is an issue for wilson at the collegiate level already. imagine what the nfl will do to him.
palewook - February 2, 2012
even worse than that
is his attitude. He fumbled? Big deal, fumbles happen. He only got 32 yards on 11 carries? It’s the coaches fault I didn’t get enough carries.
Screw this guy. Benson all over again. DO NOT WANT
indesignkat - February 2, 2012
he's managed to add himself to my worst draft list scenario for the bengals
imagine if you would the bengals 2012 draft goes like:
dennard
glenn
wilson
we’re pretty screwed in 2012 at that point. 2013 as well.
palewook - February 3, 2012
glenn wouldn't be so bad
with the 21st pick. Decastro looks better right now I’ll give you that.
cincybengals - February 3, 2012
i dont care for glenn as a 1st round pick
he’s a 2nd rounder in my book
palewook - February 3, 2012
I don't think he'll make it to the 2nd round
but stranger things have happened
Oregonbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Plus he is from VT, fucking awful school!
TCfromDubVee - February 3, 2012
like some of the picks
Jenkins would be a great pick as long as he isn’t the second coming of the old pack-man.
Some of you don’t like Glenn with the second pick in the first, I disagree.His value might be more than DeCastro,he can play G and LT-RT. Don’t get me wrong ,I would rather take DeCastro 17th and Jenkins 21th. I do like the Wilson pick,he really is a dynamic running back that teams will have to game plan for. It would be a tough choice between him and Martin !!
If we land these players in the first two rounds – WOW
BengalDude - February 2, 2012
Think Marvin like Martin over Wilson
1a DeCastro (G)
1b Jenkins (CB)
2 Martin (RB)
3 (DL)
4 (WR)
BengalDude - February 2, 2012
Or replace Jenkins with Gilmore and you're set.
DTFCPDX - February 2, 2012
Or don't because Jenkins is better
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
+1
Gilmore may be the better long term prospect.
You can’t teach height.
California Bengal Fan - February 3, 2012
You also can't teach awesomeness which Jenkins has
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
He has fluidity
Not necessarily awesomeness. He wasn’t playing lights out in D2.
Mexal - February 3, 2012
AWESOMENESS
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
exactly how I want things to go
M Shop - February 3, 2012
Looks good to me.
Luke - February 3, 2012
still want pead and barron
pray4gm11 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Pead!!
Touhue Cha - February 2, 2012
PEAD and WOLFE
those are 2 names i want in stripes
Bengalsfan024 - February 3, 2012
Don't like it
I would be very disappointed with this draft
biggie22 - February 2, 2012
Agree, i dont like it much
Touhue Cha - February 2, 2012
I hate out first three picks
HATE THEM!!
whodeycommish14 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Our*
whodeycommish14 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
As would I.
I think my response to this was “hit on needs but should’ve went for value.” Glenn’s a need but there’s better value there.
Doc Scratch - February 3, 2012
+1
Animal_Like_Football - February 3, 2012
dont like us taking any g in 1st at all
We need to sign stud g and re sign Williams. Draft defense in 1st and take Pead in 2nd. We can grab a g in 4-5.
pray4gm11 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Not bad
I had us taking Jenkins, Glenn, abd Martin in the first 2 rnds. If it comes that close between Martin and Wilson I guess the Bengals would know better than us on which one is the best fit for us. Pead is good but Wilson and Martin are better, I’ll put Polk in there also. They had Pead falling to the 5th that’s about where I seeing him go.
Bigcatdaddy - February 2, 2012 via Android app
If Pead is the guy you want you don't have to burn a second on him!
You can grab him in the 4th!
Luke - February 2, 2012
Pead wont last the 3rd
Touhue Cha - February 2, 2012
+1
if the bengals don’t take pead in the 3rd regardless if they pick martin/wilson in the 2nd, im going to be very disappointed. I think Pead would be an upgrade over Scott. And Martin would be an upgrade from Benson. I really wouldn’t consider wilson if martin was available. Martin is a way better fit for our offense than wilson.
I really don’t think Martin and pead will make it past the 2nd round. IMO
AMAS85 - February 3, 2012
Agreed
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
See, I'm just not sure I'd pick a Guard in the 1st rd
unless it DeCastro. There’s a couple Guards that are borderline 1st round prospects that could definitely be there in the 2nd round. Heck, it may even be Cordy Glenn. Just not sure it’s as safe as a pick as everyone thinks it is.
whodeycommish14 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
+1
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
I wouldn't. Only DeCastro is worth a 1st round pick
Mexal - February 3, 2012
I like the Jenkins pick
He’s a beast, but I’m not high on two out of the first three picks. I would rather have Doug Martin. I like Short and Criner as well. Short may be a bit of a project, but he’ll versatile at the pro level.
whodeycommish14 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
he'll be versatile*
whodeycommish14 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
How can you take a Steelers fan seriously
Jared Crick bottom3rd round & Larry Warford 5th round that’s early for him about a year seeing he hasn’t declared
messjunk - February 3, 2012
Don't forget extra-OT if Collins leaves (as I guess)
Glenn makes sense at 21th (DeCastro won’t be available, even at 17th)
Antoniomagon - February 3, 2012
What if they went like this
1a: Kirkpatrick
1b. Jenkins
2. Martin
3. Pead
This would be assuming they signed Manningham and Grubbs as FA’s
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
Can't see them taking two RBs that high. Or corners.
1 each I can see, but I think they will probably try to pick up a dline in there somewhere too, and the FA pickups would be great but I don’t think they will happen.
Luke - February 3, 2012
They won't be able to extend both contracts
if both pan out. Can’t see them every getting 2 first round corners.
Mexal - February 3, 2012
Juron Criner should be a good pick up
especially in the 4th. He has good size and sure hands, which is what we need in a #2 wr… I’m tired of drops, and Criner does a good job of catching the ball outside of his frame and adjusts to the ball well. I wouldn’t mind bringing in Greg Childs as an undrafted free agent either, he had a knee injury his jr year but no harm in bringing him to camp to see how it healed. Childs was top WR prospect before his injury so I think he is worth a look.
ItsAlwaysSunnyInDayton - February 3, 2012
Does anyone know where Cunningham the MSU reciever is projected to go?
He would be an awesome number 2 for the Bengals. Dude catches everything, runs perfect routes and should be an awesome locker room guy
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
6th-7th round
ItsAlwaysSunnyInDayton - February 3, 2012
Well I say we pick this guy in rd 5 or 6. He is pretty damn good
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
I understand a lot people in here like Jenkins
And it’s the easy for outsiders to mock him to us because “the Bengals always are willing take shakey character guys”. But I really doubt it happen, especially in the first round.
1. Bengals rarley draft small CB’s, they’ve shown they like to draft big physical corners i.e. Leon Hall, JJOE, and Brandon Ghee are around 6ft or taller. (Pacman is smaller but he was FA we were able to acquire cheap)
2. It appears with Marvin Lewis and the other coaches now having more input in the player selection, we have slowly gotten away from picking character guys, especially early in the draft. All you have to do look back to last year when Mickey wanted Mallet and we still ended up selecting Andy Dalton. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we are above going after questionable FA (Pacman, Ced, T.O.), if we see value because Mickey loves his value. And it’s still much less of a risk because we are not giving up anything (draft pick) and you can ussually sign them to short term deals (1-2 years).
I’ll admit there are several other players that I would actually prefer over Jenkins but I’m NOT going to be devestated if we pick him. I’m just pointing out it may be a lot less likely to happen than many people think.
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
I am not certain I like this mock draft...
Here is what I would do:
1a) Peter Konz C/G (Wisconsin)
1b) Stephon Gilmore CB (South Carolina)
2) Doug Martin RB (Boise State)
3) Harrison Smith S (Notre Dame)
4) Juron Criner WR (Arizona)
5a) Julian Miller DE (West Virginia)
5b) Asa Jackson CB/PR (Cal Poly)
That is what I would do using that Mock as a basis and with the players available on the board…we address our guard need (as well as a back-up center), our CB, running back, Safety, a threat at WR, a DE that is good against the run and pass (not excellent, but good) and a threat at PR/KR…who also has a chance to develop his CB abilities for the future…is it perfect, no, but what Mock Draft is.. :)
pemci - February 3, 2012
Like it a lot!
Only thing I hope is that Decastro falls instead of Konz. That’s pretty early to take Konz.
Luke - February 3, 2012
I agree
a bit early to take Konz, but other than that, I like it.
Oregonbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Yeah I agree.
TCfromDubVee - February 3, 2012
I would like that!
I think Miller out of WVU will do very well in the right scheme and will add depth to the DL rotation.
TCfromDubVee - February 3, 2012
Like it
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
Also sign Ted Ginn to compete with Asa and Tate for PR/KR duties.
DTFCPDX - February 3, 2012
Janoris Jenkins
is dumber than Pac-Man, bites just as hard on double moves and might (didnt think it was possible) be an even worse tackler. He looked good in the senior bowl against 2nd rate WRs and was just average against lesser competition all season. Do some of you guys really want this guy while other CBs are on the board that you dont have to worry about as far as character is concerned…….
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Janoris Jenkins shut down
Alshon Jeffery, Julio Jones, and AJ Green in 2010 when he was with the Gators…
Oregonbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
He is a buckeye fan
You’ll have to excuse him as they don’t know much about football
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
where was he in 2011?
guy was so worried about himself he couldnt even stay on his college team. Guys like Jenkins dont help you win against good teams, they are on the sidelines arguing with coaches or suspended. @diesel2405 I am not a buckeye fan, how dare you haha.
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Where was he in 2011?
North Alabama. And did he have any further transgressions? Don’t think so…
Oregonbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Amen Brother!
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
3 times he was arrested
2 drug charges, 1 resisting arrest after a fight. He went to North Alabama because he was KICKED OFF his team. He kept his nose clean because his life depended on it for 1 year, give the kid a million dollars cash money and see what happens. You have your mind made up though, but players like him drive serious team players like JJoe away. If they draft him he might be a changed person and I really hope so, but wouldnt bet on it. The chances the Bengals take on character issues hasn’t worked yet, although Benson did give us a good couple of years (not this yr). I know you like him because of potential, but I dislike him for his potential troubles.
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Never smoked pot?
Never got in a fight?
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
sure I have man
I havent been arrested once, let alone 3 times though. Especially if ppl were giving me a free education, free place to live, free food and other perks. You ever thrown all that away because you just didnt care?
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
So because he just happened to get caught and you didnt he is a bad person?
Throwing his life away?
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
when
did i say he threw his life away? I said he threw a free trip to college away. Didnt say he was a bad person either, just wouldnt want future of the franchise and money invested into a guy that has been in that much trouble.
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Ryan Broyles
If Ryan Broyles is available in the 5th round, I don’t see how we pass him up. Lets compare the stats to an obvious top 5 pick – Justin Blackmon
Through the first 9 games (when Broyles was hurt)
Blackmon: 87 Receptions for 1039 yrds 11.94 Avg 12 TD
Broyles: 83 Rec. 1157 yrds 13.9 Avg 10 TD
Now I know Broyles is coming off a serious injury, but he was once a top 10 arguably top 5 selection ahead of Blackmon – so if he is available in the 5th, or even 4th, I would be ecstatic to pick him up. Could easily fill the number 2 slot behind AJ.
In 12 games Juron Criner had:
75 Rec. 956 yrds and 11 td.
I’d much rather take a shot at Broyles.
QB stats are very similar for Nick Foles (Arizona) and Landry Jones (Oklahoma)
Foles: 4334 yrds 28 TD 14 Int
Jones: 4463 yrds 29 TD 15 Int
Bengalshopefull - February 3, 2012
My question would be how many slot receivers do you need?
Jordan Shipley (6’), Andrew Hawkins (5’7") and Ryan Whalen (6’1") are all listed as slot recievers, and with Broyles being 5’11 would more than likely be reduced to that role. I get what you are saying, Ryan Broyles had a very productive career in college…but do we really need another slot receiver-like guy? But I could be wrong….
pemci - February 3, 2012
Not all short receivers are limited only to being a slot receiver
Look at Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace (both play on the outside and both are under 6’0").
Deion Branch has carved out a very nice NFL career as a non-slot, short receiver. Greg Jennings is a mere 5’11", and one of thd better outside receivers in football. Now Broyles may lack the speed as the players I just mentioned, but just because a receiver is short does not necessarily mean he is limited to only playing the slot. I like Broyles a lot as a mid round (4th or 5th round) pick. Remember, too, that the Bengals have two 5th and two 6th round picks.
The_Black_Stripes - February 3, 2012 via mobile
As I said, I could be wrong, and
thank you for pointing that out to me. :) I would like Broyles as well, as I said, he was very productive and would not be opposed to getting him, although, I like Criner also. He seems to have had a productive career at Arizona while flying under the radar…
pemci - February 3, 2012
Sorry, didn’t mean
He would play the ‘slot’ just that he would fill the number 2 role. Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought Broyles played outside most of the time? If he did play mostly slot it would be more impressive, he had many 50-60 yard plays throughout the season.
Bengalshopefull - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
Different offense
Steelers use alot of motions and bunch sets. These are called “man beaters” and are used to help your WRs against man coverage. Brown is pretty close to being a slot guy and Wallace is dumb fast so teams are scared to jam him & miss.
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Ummmm Steve Smith
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
ummmm what about him?
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Does he not play on the outside ?
Isn’t he like 5’7’ or am I mistaken? Seriously though im not sure
Diesel2405 - February 3, 2012
Oh he does. I didn’t say small guys couldn’t, but most struggle with beating the Jam, fighting for position, getting deep, getting the ball over or before the CB. Steve Smith, while short, is the strongest and toughest WR with crazy ball skills and the ability to out-jump defenders. He’s very rare. Great mix of every skill except height.
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
IMO
I don’t think they will take Jenkins or Dennard in the first and not just because of character concerns (although, it could be factor for Jenkins). The last 3 CB’s we’ve drafted (Leon Hall, JJOE, and Brandon Ghee) have all been 6ft tall or better. We tend to go for the bigger more physical CB’s, so I’d say Gilmore or Kirkpatric (if he happens to fall) would be the more likely picks. As for guard, if DeCastro is not available I doubt we even take a guard until at least the 3rd round, unfortunatley we just do not put a whole lot of value on that position group. Lastly, I think Martin or even Polk is much more likely to be taken than Wilson because they are more complete backs (mainly for blocking because they all can catch out of the backfield) .
I could be wrong and some Bengals fans may like it, but I definitely think this is the more likely scenereo based on past tendencies.
Assuming DeCastro and Richardson are both off the board.
1a. Gilmore/kirkpatric (a bigger type CB)
1b. BPA in a position that we value (Probally DL or LB) – we have never valued the guard or safety position in early rounds
2. Martin or Polk (better blocking backs)
3. Best Guard available (probally a bigger G/T type)
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
Hall, Joseph, or Ghee coming out of college was in same class as Jenkins. And Jenkins used to hit hard at Florida so he does get physical.
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
*wasn’t in same class
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Disagree. Joseph is/was a better athlete. Hall had the size & technique Jenkins doesn’t have. Ghee, not even close to any of them. Just had size & straight line speed.
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Jenkins pretty athletic in his own right. Joseph was kinda raw coming out of college and couldn’t catch. Hall does have outstanding technique, but is slow and not ball hawk Jenkins is. Hall and Joseph are terrific players but Jenkins has top ten talent. Joseph nor Hall were EVER considered for top 10
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
How does Jenkins comepare to Adam Jones when he was coming out of college?
Luke - February 3, 2012
I think Jones would be graded higher
He was a top 10 pick
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
My point is physically he's not the type of player the Bengals tend to target
I’m not saying he’s not ahletic or a big of hitter but he he’s not even 5"10, and based on there track record they tend to target player at that position that are at least 6ft tall
biggie22 - February 3, 2012
Top 10 talent doesn't equal top 10 pick
Even if Jenkins didn’t have character questions, he still wouldn’t be drafted top 10. His talent is the biggest misconception of this draft. His raw & natural cover skills are top 10, BUT he isn’t big, won’t defense the run, can’t shed blocks and doesn’t look like he understands zone concepts. He wouldn’t be a top 10 pick, and with his issues, he’s not a top 25 pick.
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Before trouble came his way, he was considered one of best corners in nation. That was two years ago. Don’t forget he was best corner in conference where there’s two other top 10 cb this year coming out. And what makes his cover skills raw?
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
“Raw” in a good way. Meaning he was born to play man coverage. you can’t teach it.
-——-As far as playing zone, they do it plenty. Think of J.Joe peeling back and hitting Heath Miller in the flats – Zone
-Think of Hall in off coverage and jumping a slant route for int/PD – Zone. Think of Clements interception vs John Skelton in zone over the middle. They play zone. They’re a majority man, but some zone is needed. It was one of the reasons for the lack of interceptions this year. Pacman can’t play zone. Nelson isn’t smart. So you have Clements & Crocker but both are slow now. it was a bad mix. They were very limited in their coverage packages. They need speed and intelligence added.Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
All that can be coached up I hope. No I wouldn’t draft him with my top 10 pick. But in our case I wouldn’t pass him up. Him and Barron would do wonders
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Oh and he was considered a high pick based on projections. Scouts projected him to take that next step in his game. Become more physical, clean up his act, understand the game more. He didn’t do any of those. He didn’t fulfill his college potential. So he wouldn’t have gone top 10.
Joe Goodberry - February 3, 2012 via Android app
And our corners rarely play zone. Hall and Joseph stayed on islands
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
I agree
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
did you
just agree with yourself?
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Lol, na bro. That was to biggie comment
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
haha. I was thinking—damn, this guy really believes what he is saying. Jenkins to me is too highly regarded for the trouble he has been in, but if they draft him I sure hope you are right.
columbusbengalsfan - February 3, 2012
Every 18-19 year kid has done something that we consider trouble. 65% of football and basketball players smoke pot.
pray4gm11 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Thats nice
njbengalstat - February 3, 2012
"With their first pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the CIncinnati Bengals select
Akili Smith, quarterback, Oregon."
dingle - February 4, 2012
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