Christian Petersen - Getty Images
5 months ago: GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 02: Andrew Luck #12 and David DeCastro #52 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate after Luck threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz #86 in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It's that time for yet another mock draft in the many we've chronicled so far. And I'm sure by now that most, if not all of you followers of Cincy Jungle, are tired of these mock drafts not being the actual one in April, but they are entertaining and we like the debates that they spur.
But it's still February so we have to play the "what if game" for now.. In the latest mock draft, Sports Illustrated has the Cincinnati Bengals selecting a guard and cornerback with their two first-round picks, continuing one of the common trends we've seen with the Bengals in these mocks.
With their No. 17 pick, according to Sports Illustrated, the Bengals select Stanford guard David DeCastro.
(From Oakland) The Bengals have two picks in the span of five slots (17th and 21st), so logic tells you they will take the highest-rated remaining player who fills a need. That's DeCastro, the draft's best interior lineman prospect and one of the guys who kept Andrew Luck well-protected the past three years.
I'm in favor of this pick. It helps solidify the offensive line and gives the Bengals an athletic guard that would hopefully be around for the long-run. He's a solid pass blocker and an excellent run blocker. He was one of the main forces for Stanford's rushing attack the past three seasons. With Bobbie Williams, Mike McGlynn, and Nate Livings set to become free agents, it makes perfect sense for the Bengals to go with DeCastro, assuming he's still on the board when Cincinnati makes their first selection.
With the No. 21 pick SI has the Bengals selecting Janoris Jenkins from North Alabama.
As we've noted above, Jenkins has first-round talent, but his character issues will take him out of play for some teams. The Bengals don't usually shy away from players with off-field baggage, or they wouldn't have ever given Pacman Jones and Terrell Owens a shot to wear the tiger stripes. Cincinnati needs help at cornerback, and that might carry the day for the ex-Gator turned North Alabama standout.
There's no doubt that the Bengals need help at cornerback ever since Jonathan Joseph left and Leon Hall's status for 2012 remains questionable, but I don't think Jenkins is the answer. Sure he has tremendous talent, but his off-field baggage really makes him an unattractive commodity. In this mock draft safety Mark Barron of Alabama is still on the board. Barron might be the better choice here instead of Jenkins.
Overall I like the first pick, but not the second one. Only time will tell what the Bengals actually do come April. What do you think of the latest mock draft from Sports Illustrated?
1 recs | 59 comments
Would be ecstatic with these two selections
The_Black_Stripes - February 22, 2012 via mobile
me too
though I am still not 100% sold on Jenkins off the field behavior. I think DeCastro will be there at 17, just hope Cincy doesn’t pass him up because they devalue the guard position in the draft.
Cedric Benson Boat Party - February 22, 2012
Even if we have to take Jenkins at 21, picking DeCastro at 17 makes it all worth it.
DTFCPDX - February 22, 2012
This would be best-case scenario.
Then take martin in the 2nd and depending on who’s available, either Marvin Jones, Antonio Allen, or the best DL/LB.
brandone - February 22, 2012
Sounds like a plan
njbengalstat - February 22, 2012
would not mind this one bit
heck, 1 mock I saw had us with DeCastro at 17 and Kirkpatrick at 21, now that would be a kick a** draft
joeb69 - February 22, 2012
+1
biggie22 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
If we got those two in the first round, I'd be absolutely ecstatic.
I mean, I’d be extremely happy with DeCastro and Jenkins. If we could get DeCastro and Kirkpatrick, that would be absolutely perfect.
sexsalad - February 22, 2012
or DeCastro and richardson
May not happen though
diehard bengals fan 20 - February 23, 2012 via mobile
DeCastro and Richardson
I wouldn’t care how the rest of the draft went after that if this scenario played out. (except for who they would pick at DB)
DTFCPDX - February 23, 2012
Saw those mock's to
And that would be the dream scenario – because of the off-field trouble!
And then take Doug Martin in the second round!
Christian Gaarde Nielsen - February 23, 2012
This would pretty much be the perfect first round.
And no, don’t give me any of that Gimore crap.
sexsalad - February 22, 2012
Why
Many of us believe he is a better prospect regardless of the off field issues.
biggie22 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Yes to DeCastro
Jenkins fills a need in the draft that should be filled in FA. Barron is coming off “double hernia” surgery whatever that is. I wonder if he’ll be another Chris Perry?
But given who they have available at #21, I think I’d rather take Cordy Glenn along with DeCastro.
BENGALS69 - February 22, 2012
Agreed, Our CB need should be filled in FA.
There isn’t elite CB talent where were at in the 1st..except for maybe Kirkpatrick.
Bengal4ever - February 22, 2012
I honestly love the idea of two first round offensive lineman. Sets up Andy and AJ for years
Eric Bieniemy - February 23, 2012 via mobile
Awesome
Thats what we need to do OG,CB .Get Doug Martin in the second round and we will be on fire. Need to be active in FA and get Brandon Carr or Cortlin Finagan.
BengalDude - February 22, 2012
Jenkins
If this kid has his act together and we get him at 21 – wow.He is the real deal!!
BengalDude - February 22, 2012
100% agree with DeCastro
100% Disagree with Jenkins
Bengal4ever - February 22, 2012
100% agree with you
messjunk - February 23, 2012
Like Both Projected Draft Picks
…Especially DeCastro! A BIG WHODEY there!!!:)
Makebelieve - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I would call for a Trade down at 21
If we arent truly sold on Jenkins(i like Jenkins as a Prospects) we can always trade down for an extra 2nd and maybe even a 3rd
1st round for 2nd+3rd+2013 4th round no problem to me
Touhue Cha - February 22, 2012
Agreed.
I love the DeCastro pick. I seriously want him wearing tiger stripes. if the Bengals pass on him, I will be steamed.
But back to the point. If Zim isn’t sold on Jenkins, trade the pick for a 2nd and 3rd rounder and let Jay get his running back in the second with (hopefully) a higher 2nd round pick.
AZBengal18 - February 22, 2012
Yeah,
but my point is that if we can trade down a bit and still get good value we should do that instead
2 2nd round we can at least get a DB and a DT
2 3rd round we can get a RB and a WR
Touhue Cha - February 22, 2012
Lol i'm making the same point
I am not sold on Jenkins either. The “I want him in stripes” was referring to DeCastro. 2 draft picks > 1 draft pick. Especially those second rounders
AZBengal18 - February 22, 2012
oh lol ahahah sorry
i mean i like Jenkins a lot, but i rather get some more depth in the back end and some WR help and some RB
Touhue Cha - February 22, 2012
+1
biggie22 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Thats what I'm hoping for too.
It just makes sense. Instead of reaching for a player, trade down and get 2 players as talented as the player that you would get at 21, imo.
EPK1979 - February 22, 2012
stock up talent and depth as well
Touhue Cha - February 22, 2012
Amen
And with the Bengals recent drafting success, I’d be comfortable trading down and still finding serviceable players
AZBengal18 - February 22, 2012
that would be a very solid first round
AMAS85 - February 22, 2012
I’m scared of a rookie starting on our o-line. Were already pretty young on offense not mentioning we should have new RB and Shipley will be in new offense.
pray4gm11 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I would like to think O-line is a position with a relatively easy transition from college to the pros
But what do I know, I just recently started valuing O-line members. I guess I’m a recently educated fan.
AZBengal18 - February 22, 2012
Not when ur depending on Alexander to coach them up. Being fair though PA usually does a great job with rookie o-line that were top picks. Anderson, Levi and Steinbach performed well in their rookie years…
pray4gm11 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Like he said
“Relatively easy” Even more so for guys drafted like Levi,Anderson,and Steinbach…….Alexander had little to do with them
just benefited from there success,What did he do with Andre Smith in his rookie season?
Decastro would be ready day 1,dispite having Alexander
keithp - February 22, 2012
It's not necessarily the coaching up that Paul Alexander seems to be bad at; it's identifying which guy is good enough to play, and which o-linemen have the innate ability to play or not.
DTFCPDX - February 22, 2012
That in itself is why he should be fired!
Coaching up a guy that plays well below the guy who doesnt need coaching up sitting on the bench.
keithp - February 22, 2012
Hopefully McNally can fix that.
DTFCPDX - February 23, 2012
this is exactly what i want
beerhouse11 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Trent Richardson had knee surgery, won’t do Combine drills
wow…he will slip now…guaranteed….
ticalcaldwell - February 22, 2012
Hahaha
pray4gm11 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
your kidding...right?
bengal4life68 - February 22, 2012
Had injury in week before Championship game. Nothing serious just excuse for him not to run and when he does that a be his reason for not having blazing 40 time. Should drop him out of top ten without a doubt. Gentleman things have just got interesting, TR will be available with 17 pick. Miller or Martin stock should rise now.
pray4gm11 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
-10 for me...forgot to post link...
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/22/trent-richardson-had-knee-surgery-wont-do-combine-drills/
ticalcaldwell - February 22, 2012
means he'll fall to us at 17, maybe even 21.
palewook - February 22, 2012
wishful thinking here
if he is confertable enough to wait to have the scoop around this time, tells me he knows he is going to be picked in the top 10.
I don’t think anyone is worried about his speed or agility. Just wait till he lights up the gym.
AMAS85 - February 23, 2012
gym = weight room
AMAS85 - February 23, 2012
I think we plant some pot on T-Rich and Morris Claiborne and DeCastro
so we can get them all !! lol jk jk jk jk jk jk
Touhue Cha - February 22, 2012
Jerome can hook them up....
DTFCPDX - February 23, 2012
Totally So we bring back Jerome then too so he can hook them up!! lol jk jk
Touhue Cha - February 23, 2012
Maybe before he gets cut, Jerome would provide us with one last "wow" highlight similar to the front-flip.
DTFCPDX - February 23, 2012
i like this draft, a lot.
palewook - February 22, 2012
Me too. And it doesn't mean we should relax on either position in Free Agency
If anything, you still want to get those solid FAs Pay them and actually have some depth at our weak spots. With the money we have to spend and the extra picks, this team can get proven players, get the first rounders taken care of, and then do the same thing with RB.
Hutch and Nicks/Grubs as the vet OGs.
Finnegan or Carr as the vet CBs to help Hall out.
Bush/Tolbert (or Bush AND Tolbert!) and to tandem with Scott and a rookie.
Now…. all of a sudden, this team could do some damage and support our offense’s talent.
UpStateMike - February 23, 2012
Trent Richardson has surgery...
I wonder how much he’ll fall in the draft as a result. Especially now that it looks like the Browns and Bucs might be out of the picture.
M Shop - February 23, 2012
not that far, how many top 5 prospects do all the drills anyways?
AMAS85 - February 23, 2012
I think we have the luxury of taking one "character concern" pick this year...
Jenkins or Burfict (who has on-field concerns, but real potential). Or even Janzen Jackson… but only one. Most of the guys on the team should be considered high-character guys who can bring along a “troubled talent.”
Boomer Lion - February 23, 2012
isn't that part of the reason why Hue Jackson is back?
AMAS85 - February 23, 2012
Could be. Could be.
Boomer Lion - February 24, 2012
Love the Decastro pick.
So-so on Jenkins, but if he can be a good character guy, I am all for it.
Ben-GAL - February 23, 2012
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