Cincinnati Bengals Take Best Player Available in Mock Draft 1.0

They have eight selections in the 2022 NFL Draft.

James Rapien | Apr 4, 2022

CINCINNATI — The NFL Draft is less than a month away, which means it's time for our first mock of the season.

We used a simulator for this mock in hopes of giving fans a realistic idea of what players will be taken and who the Bengals could actually land with their eight draft picks.

Cincinnati addresses key needs like offensive line and cornerback, but the board didn't fall their way and they didn't take a tight end.

It may be unlikely, but that's how this first mock draft played out. Take a look at all eight of the Bengals' selections below.

31. Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsUSA Today Images

With Tyler Linderbaum, Andrew Booth and Kaiir Elam already gone, the Bengals take the highest player still on their board.

Green should come in and help stabilize the left guard spot. He'll be an instant upgrade as a run blocker and will be the cherry on top of the Bengals' sundae, following an offseason that was all about remaking the offensive line.

For more on Green, read our film breakdown here.

63. Josh Paschal, Defensive End, Kentucky

The Bengals want to bolster their pass rush and Paschal should be able to help in that area. He has the ability to line up at end, but he can kick inside and get some heat on opposing quarterbacks on passing downs.

Paschal had 53 tackles (15.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks in 12 starts last season.

95. Coby Bryant, Cornerback, Cincinnati

The Bengals finally land a cornerback after not taking one in the first two rounds of the draft.

Bryant is talented, works hard and should be a good fit in Lou Anarumo's defense. If they need him to play right away, he's capable, but could also benefit from learning behind Chidobe Awuzie, Eli Apple and Mike Hilton.

136. Noah Elliss, Defensive Tackle, Idaho

Elliss is a big bodied interior defensive lineman that would give Cincinnati another option at nose tackle.

Tyler Shelvin underwhelmed as a rookie and while the Bengals are still hopeful that he can develop into a quality player, they take Elliss with the hope that both guys can help stabilize the interior of their defensive line.

174. Kevin Austin Jr., Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Austin Jr. led the Irish in receiving last season, finishing with 48 receptions for 888 yards and seven touchdowns. He hauled in 23 catches in Notre Dame's final five games.

Austin tested like an elite athlete and is the exact type of high-upside swing the Bengals should take at wide receiver.

209. Matt Araiza, Punter, San Diego State

Araiza is considered the top punter in this draft class by many evaluators. With Kevin Huber still unsigned, the Bengals opt to address the position in the draft.

They nailed it when they opted to take Evan McPherson in the fifth round last offseason. They'll hope for similar success with Araiza.

226. Dai'Jean Dixon, Wide Receiver, Nicholls State

The Bengals stick with the best player available approach and take Dixon with their first seventh round selection.

He'll compete for a roster spot after hauling in 71 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns for the Colonels last season.

252. Kalon Barnes, Cornerback, Baylor

Barnes is the fastest prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. He ran a 4.23 40-yard dash at the combine.

Despite his elite speed, he isn't expected to be an early selection in this class. He's inconsistent in coverage, but has rare athleticism that NFL teams covet—especially at cornerback.

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Published Apr 4, 2022

JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati