Bengals Mock Draft: Depth, Speed, Trenches

0:00On April 23rd, the NFL draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, and the Bengals are sitting pretty after trading their number 10 pick to the Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. That leaves them with seven selections, starting in the second round at number 41, then third fourth and doubles in the sixth and seventh. No first round splash, unless Dupe Tobin pulls off a trade-up miracle. Fans are buzzing about bolstering the defense early, so picture this mock, at number 41, they grab inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas, tech. This former quarterback could run the defense like Al Goldin wants, upgrading a linebacker room that struggled last year with rookie issues. Moving today too, they trade back from number 72 with the chargers, snagging number 86 and 123. That net's edge rusher, Jay-Shan Barham from Michigan, a explosive hybrid with 10 tackles for loss and 47 starts under his belt. Even at 1-10, offensive linemen trade zoom the third, from Texas anem slides in as a

1:01future center to replace aging Ted Carus. Deeper picks fill knees across the board. Defensive back Jalong Kilgore from South Carolina for nickel versatility. Speedy wide-out Eric Rivers from Georgia Tech to stretch the field for chase and higgins. South African defensive tackle, Jordan Bandonberg for interior depth, blocking tight end. Will Cockmarek from Ohio State and developmental tackle Nolan Rucci from Penn State with NFL bloodlines. This mock keeps Cincinnati building smart depth, speed and trenches, setting up Joe Burrow for another run while the real draft unfolds. Eyes on Thursday for the chaos. This has been NFL News Today, powered by AI.