Cincinnati Bengals full 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals had the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This year, the Bengals have the No. 31 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Crazy how much things can change in a year, right? Cincinnati went from 4-11-1 to a Super Bowl appearance in just one year. That's beyond incredible. […]
The Cincinnati Bengals had the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
This year, the Bengals have the No. 31 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Crazy how much things can change in a year, right?
Cincinnati went from 4-11-1 to a Super Bowl appearance in just one year. That's beyond incredible. It's almost unbelievable.
But despite that impressive turnaround, the team still has a lot of holes to fill on its roster — specifically at offensive line.
The 2022 NFL Draft will be a great opportunity to fill some of those holes and build some depth. Here's how I think the draft could play out for Cincy.
Round 1 (31)
Zion Johnson — Guard — Boston College
I don't know if Johnson will fall to the Bengals, but if he does, he should absolutely be the pick here. Johnson could replace Trey Hopkins at center. Or if the Bengals sign Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen, Johnson could play at guard (that's the best-case scenario).
Everyone knows by now that Cincinnati's offensive line is the Bengals' biggest need. Any pick other than an offensive lineman in the first round would be a disaster for Cincy.
Round 2 (63)
Tariq Woolen — CB — UTSA
After the first round, I think the Bengals will go with a best player available approach, while still sticking to their team needs. So essentially, whoever is the highest on their board from one of their positions of need.
You can never ever have too many quality cornerbacks. It's one of the three or four most important positions in football.
Woolen is 6-foot-3 and one of the fastest cornerbacks in the draft. He also has great ball skills as he used to be a wide receiver. I think Woolen would be a steal at this draft slot. He's been falling to the end of the second round in recent mock drafts, so I think there's a legit chance for the Bengals to grab him.
Round 3 (95)
Matthew Butler — DL — Tennessee
The Bengals could use some interior defensive line help and I think Butler would be a great addition.
For starters, Butler has great character. He's an elite team leader who is also incredibly smart.
Butler had a great Shrine Bowl performance earlier this year, showing surprising explosiveness and high energy. I think Butler would be a great fit in the culture that Cincinnati is building.
Round 4 (134)
Braxton Jones — OT — Southern Utah
Why not take another offensive lineman here? Jones could be the right tackle of the future for the Bengals. He had a solid Senior Bowl performance and he can play at either tackle position (versatility is always nice).
Jones isn't necessarily viewed as a day one starter, but he's not a long-term project, either. This would be a solid pick in the fourth round that would immediately add some nice depth to Cincinnati's offensive line.
The former Southern Utah offensive lineman kind of has a connection to the Bengals, too. He's been training in Arizona with former Bengals offensive lineman Mike Pollack.
Round 5 (173)
Jeremy Ruckert — TE — Ohio State
The Bengals could use some additional tight end depth, so it could be wise to take a chance on one in the middle rounds of the draft. Ruckert has a lot of potential, even though he never really "broke out" at Ohio State.
Ruckert is tough and willing to do whatever is asked of him.
"Whatever kind of job you need as a tight end, I'm going to do it," said Ruckert this week at the NFL scouting combine.
Ruckert landed at Ohio State just as Joe Burrow was leaving Columbus for Baton Rouge, so it's possible the two have crossed paths at some point.
Round 6 (208)
Tycen Anderson — S — Toledo
Anderson is a nice versatile defensive back who could play several positions in the secondary.
Late in the draft, teams are mostly looking for players who could stick on special teams or provide depth and versatility. I think Anderson fits the bill for what the Bengals will be looking for in the sixth round.
Anderson needs to improve his coverage skills, but that's also the reason he'll likely fall this far in the draft. Teams usually don't find day one starters in the sixth round.
Round 7 ——->>>>
Round 7 (224)
D'Vonte Price — RB — FIU
Price could be a nice special teams player for the Bengals. He could also possibly break into the running back rotation. He's decent in pass protection which is what could get him on the field in some third-down situations.
Round 7 (250)
Dylan Parham — G — Memphis
Might as well take another swing at an offensive lineman, right?
Parham can play at either guard spot. He's a bit undersized, which is why I think he will fall to the seventh round. But he's a smart player who could add some nice depth to the Bengals' beleaguered offensive line.
