Blake's Take: Bengals Address Major Needs in Full 7-Round Mock Draft

Cincinnati waits on offensive line help following free agency additions.

Blake Jewell | Mar 28, 2022

Going into this offseason, you saw many Bengals mock drafts focusing on the offensive line. With the signings of Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and star right tackle La’el Collins, the Bengals have given themselves some flexibility in this draft.

Cincinnati isn’t forced to take offensive line in the first round anymore, which allows them to take the best player available, which is likely to be another position of need such as cornerback or defensive tackle.

Here’s my first seven round mock draft following the offensive line overhaul in free agency:

31. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Going into this offseason, offensive line was the biggest need for the Bengals, but adding another starting caliber outside cornerback is just as crucial after their additions in free agency. Florida corner Kaiir Elam would be a slam dunk pick at 31 for the AFC champions.

Elam is a physical press coverage corner but is also very capable in zone coverage. He could grow into a borderline lockdown corner eventually, but with Chidobe Awuzie as their No. 1 corner, they just need a strong, coverage cornerback on the other side.

63. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

C.J. Uzomah’s departure left the Bengals with a glaring hole to fill at tight end, but they quickly filled it by signing Hayden Hurst. Although they signed the former first round pick to a one-year deal, they still should look to the draft to add more talent to the position.

One thing in particular I’d love to see from Bengals tight ends is the ability to run after the catch. We saw it a few times from Uzomah last season but ideally Joe Burrow can dump it off to his tight end and let them run. Isaiah Likely fits that role. He’s an athletic tight end that runs great vertical routes and has reliable hands. It feels like a potential perfect weapon to help Burrow out, and as a bonus, he’s very effective as a blocker.

95. Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee

Although they re-signed B.J. Hill, the Bengals still have a pretty big need for a rotational interior pass rusher. Tennessee defensive tackle Matthew Butler could be an ideal target for the Bengals.

He's an athletic, physical and explosive three technique that can be exactly what the Bengals need. He has a good frame and his athleticism suggests he could be a very good defensive tackle for years to come.

136. Verone McKinley, S, Oregon

With the retirement of Ricardo Allen and Jessie Bates currently on the franchise tag, safety quietly became a position of need. The Bengals need a third safety for next season, and if Bates were to leave next offseason, they need to be prepared. Vonn Bell is also entering the final year of his contract.

McKinley is versatile and balanced. He’s efficient in both coverage and the run game. His tackling abilities and athleticism suggest he can be a quality safety in the NFL and would fill a need for the Bengals in the 2022 season.

174. Ty Fryfogle, WR, Indiana

Another underrated need for the Bengals is wide receiver. They don't have many options after their big three of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.

Indiana wideout Ty Fryfogle isn’t high on draft boards, but he suffered from poor quarterback play in his college career. He’s a reliable possession receiver and would be perfect for the role of WR4 on the Bengals' depth chart.

209. Cade Mays, G, Tennessee

Although it seems late to draft an offensive lineman, the Bengals are in good shape after adding three new starters, and their depth isn’t too bad either.

Cade Mays could be a project for offensive line coach Frank Pollack to work with. He showcases some ability that could lead to him being decent depth in year one. He’s a powerful run blocker and his versatility allows him to play almost any position on the offensive line.

226. Allie Green, CB, Missouri

Although I have them adding Elam earlier in this mock, the Bengals still are a little thin at cornerback depth. Green is a tall, lengthy corner that will bring some much needed physicality to this defense.

252. Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma

Although they added Chris Evans last year, it never hurts to bring some competition to the running back room.

Bringing in Kennedy Brooks, who would be the third Oklahoma running back on the roster, could challenge Samaje Perine for the power back role. He’s a physical runner and is very reliable with ball security. He wouldn’t get many reps, but he brings a different skill set than Joe Mixon or Evans.

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