The Cincinnati Bengals will strive to supplement their Super Bowl roster in the 2022 NFL Draft. The team has several positions that need to be bolstered if they want to make another run at a Lombardi Trophy. Protecting Joe Burrow should honestly be priority number one. Following getting help on the interior of the offensive line, is the defensive counterpart. Fortifying both lines is never a bad idea, especially in today’s NFL. Finally, defensive back will also get strong consideration, maybe as early as the first round. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Bengals Mock Draft 1.0.
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Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft 1.0: Protect the Franchise
Round One (Pick 31) – OT | Bernhard Raimann / Central Michigan
Raimann started his career at tight end and two years later he has a legitimate shot to go in the first round. At 6’7″ and 305 pounds, Raimann is the ideal size for either right or left tackle in the NFL and only allowed 10 pressures the entire season. The Bengals could put Raimann at right tackle opposite Jonah Williams and have the possibility for strong bookends protecting Burrow for years to come.
Round Two (Pick 63) – EDGE | Nic Bonitto / Oklahoma
Bonitto has been a solid player for the Sooners since arriving in Norman. He shows fluid agility and also has great size for an edge rusher at 6’3″ and 240 pounds. The Bengals love drafting players with upside and while some may see this pick as a reach, Bonitto was the most productive pass-rusher on a per-snap basis over the last two seasons in the FBS. Has the opportunity to be a rotational rusher along with Joseph Ossai.
Round Three (Pick 95) – OG | Dylan Parham / Memphis
The Bengals continue their theme of protecting Burrow. The offensive guard was a weak spot on both sides along the Bengals front. Parham has the prototypical size for a guard and played multiple positions which Cincinnati often covets. In 2021, earned a 78.8 mark at right guard and only allowed one pressure in 55 pass-blocking snaps.
Round Four (Pick 135) – DL | Neil Farrell JR. / LSU
The Bengals love LSU and SEC products truth be told. Farrell would provide some needed depth along the interior of the defensive line and would mitigate the potential loss of Larry Ogunjobi. Farrell also had a productive career in Baton Rouge and has good size at 6’4″ and 325 pounds. Could be called to contribute and produce early along fellow teammate Tyler Shelvin to provide a formidable duo.
Round Five (Pick 174) – S | Bryan Cook / Cincinnati
A Cincinnati native and versatile safety that is solid against the pass and also in the box defending the run. Showed a willingness to tackle and excelled in this role for the Bearcats in 2021. Still needs time to develop but might have a role as a backup or rotational player this year in the defensive backfield.
Round Six (Pick 208) – OG | Justin Shaffer / Georgia
Shaffer is an aggressive run blocker that plays with great leverage and this shows at times on the inside of the offensive line. His stock has risen quickly post combine and the Bengals would be thrilled to get him in the sixth round. Starts his career in a developmental season and would have the opportunity to learn behind Bengals Offensive line and run game coordinator Frank Pollack.
Round Seven (Pick 223) – EDGE | Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa / Notre Dame
The final pick to round out the Bengals 2022 draft class. An intriguing prospect that was a four-year contributor for the Fighting Irish. Showed solid versatility along the defensive line in South Bend and plays with above-average strength and length to harass opposing quarterbacks. Much like Shaffer, would probably redshirt a year in Cincinnati learning behind defensive coaches and defensive players.
*Stats and research provided courtesy of Pro Football Focus (PFF), Pro Football Network (PFN), The Draft Network (TDN), and ESPN
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