Four Bold Predictions for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 NFL Draft

CINCINNATI — The 2022 NFL Draft is just hours away. Everyone has their preferences about the Bengals' first round pick. I thought it would be fitting to list three bold predictions before the draft starts.

Passing on Tyler Linderbaum

I think Tyler Linderbaum is going to be available when the Bengals are on the clock.

The NFL is weird about the center position. Creed Humphrey was a can't-miss center prospect in last year's draft and he fell to the 63rd overall pick.

Linderbaum is a better prospect than Humphrey. He'll fall out of the first round and get picked in the top 40.

Cincinnati should take him at 31 if he's available. Linderbaum is a high-end athlete that would help complete the Bengals' offensive line transformation. We're gonna look at him five years from now and see a multi-time Pro Bowler and maybe even an All-Pro.

Two Bearcats Become Bengals

The Bengals will find a way to snag two Cincinnati Bearcats with their eight picks.

Safety Bryan Cook would be a great fit if he was on the board in round 3. Cornerback Coby Bryant and wide receiver Alec Pierce could also make sense on day two.

Myjai Sanders, Darrian Beavers, and Curtis Brooks are all potential day three targets.

Ultimately, Zac Taylor snags two of Luke Fickell's former players in hopes of continuing the success the Bengals had in 2021.

Waiting on Tight End

Some have the Bengals taking Trey McBride early in the draft. Others believe they'll take Greg Dulcich or Jeremy Ruckert on day two.

Ultimately, I think they wait until day three to draft a new tight end.

Hayden Hurst is going to be the starter and they want to address the position, but they have other needs at positions that don't have the same amount of depth.

Look for Cincinnati to take a tight end in rounds 4-6.

Double Dip at Cornerback

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Bengals take multiple cornerbacks in this draft. They're hoping to land one of the top guys at 31, but they'll double back and take another defensive back—maybe someone like Houston's Marcus Jones on day three.

He'd be a perfect backup for Mike Hilton and would give them an elite punt and kick returner.

Check out the entire mock here. For more on what the Bengals could do in the draft, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest free agency news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Film Breakdown: Analyzing 13 Contenders to be the Bengals' First Round Pick

Will Arm Length Keep Bengals From Taking Tyler Linderbaum?

Three Takeaways From Duke Tobin's Pre-NFL Draft Press Conference

Bengals Appear to be Focused on Defense in 2022 NFL Draft

Lou Anarumo on What the Bengals Are Looking For at Cornerback in the NFL Draft

NFL Draft Film Breakdown: Logan Hall is a Real Option for Bengals in First Round

Mock Draft 3.0: Bengals Get Important Help on Defense

NFL Insider Shares Insight on Which Cornerbacks Bengals Are Eyeing in NFL Draft