Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Mock Draft 1.0

Round One, Pick 31: Devonte Wyatt, DT, University of Georgia

Potentially the best pass-rushing talent on the interior in this draft class, Devonte Wyatt provides a spark to a Bengals defense that already ranked 11th in sacks with 42 during the 2021 season. Further, Wyatt is a three technique lineman that can become a key to long term success alongside Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and DJ Reader on the Cincinnati defensive line.

Further, the Bengals drafting Wyatt assumes they’ve already addressed the line in free agency. Frankly, they need to bring in veterans on the offensive line to keep Burrow healthy and happy.

Round Two, Pick 63: Jamaree Salyer, OT, University of Georgia

Rejoice! The Bengals get a quality offensive lineman with one of their first two picks! Granted, fans should still be pushing the team to upgrade that group in free agency. In Salyer, the Bengals get a battle-tested, SEC offensive lineman who allowed just one pressure in 2021. While he projects as an NFL guard, he’s a strong and physical lineman who moves well, plus slots into the rotation as an immediate depth upgrade.

Round Three, Pick 95: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, The Ohio State University

Adding another offensive weapon before Day 3 of the NFL Draft might be too rich for some Bengals fans. However, the saying goes, the rich get richer. Jeremy Ruckert might not be a slam-dunk, superstar tight end, but his pass catching ability displayed in Ohio State’s pro-style offense will bode well towards NFL success.

With tight ends getting increasingly luxurious as free agency acquisitions, it’s a great time for the Bengals to hit on one of those targets in late April.

Round Four, Pick 133: Cole Strange, OL, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Bengals aren’t afraid of small school talents and Cole Strange won’t be a stranger on their draft board. Certainly needing to add mass to his nearly 6’5”, 304-pound frame, Strange has tremendous athletic ability and loves to punish defenders. He seems like a two-year developmental project with big payoff in Frank Pollack’s line room.

Round Four, Pick 137 (Comp): Bryan Cook, S, University of Cincinnati

When fans watch Bryan Cook on his Cincinnati tape, they will see a splashy, but not fully consistent safety. The Bengals need to bolster their safety room following Ricardo Allen’s retirement and the confusing situation surrounding the next contract for Jessie Bates III.

Round Five, Pick 152: Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State University

Could the Bengals wait until the sixth/seventh rounds to draft their replacement for Kevin Huber. Frankly, their last fifth round pick on special teams went well enough that they can justify it once again. Matt Araiza is this year’s hot special teams weapon. If they add Araiza to their battery with Evan McPherson and Clark Harris, they’re going to be quite a dangerous unit.

Round Six, Pick 208: Luke Fortner, OL, University of Kentucky

Another interesting line prospect, Luke Fortner brings SEC grit and ample collegiate awards despite his competition. For now, he’s a little undersized but the Ohio native could be an interesting and quick development candidate.

Round Seven, Pick 222 (from NYG): Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH) University

Dipping further into the well of Ohio-based candidates, Dominique Robinson is a freak athlete who could develop into a stud at the professional level. The quarterback-turned-receiver-turned-edge rusher presents quite the athletic profile and the Bengals love to get talents like that in their room.

Round Seven, Pick 248: Jeremiah Moon, LB, University of Florida

While Jeremiah Moon might not light up the starting defense, he’s a good athlete that will present a new face to Darrin Simmons’ special teams unit.

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