Bengals land impact defender in recent mock draft
The Bengals could certainly use this guy in their secondary.
The Cincinnati Bengals can light up the scoreboard with the best teams in the NFL. Their defense did a good job of stopping opposing offenses also in 2022 by finishing fifth in fewest points per game.
However, there's nothing wrong with strengthening a strength right?
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks didn’t think so in a recent mock draft he put together.
Brooks has the Bengals taking cornerback Cam Smith out of South Carolina with the 28th pick.
Adding a cover corner with outstanding eyes, instincts and ball skills could help defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo upgrade the secondary.
Not only does Brooks see Smith as a baller, but so does Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, another top prospect, who called him his toughest competition from last season.
Smith spoke at the combine about his matchup with Hyatt.
“I came in on Sunday. We already know what it was. I mean, we just seen Georgia do the exact same thing. So, we came I said yeah, put me on him. I want that. That’s what I love to do," said Smith.
That's confidence personified.
The Gamecocks beat down the Volunteers 63-38 which was their first loss of the year (came into the game 8-0) and Hyatt had just 65 yards.
Smith impressed at the combine by running a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, posting a 38-inch vertical jump, and an 11'2" in the broad jump.
Smith's best season came in 2021.
He would earn second-team All-SEC honors with 41 tackles, three interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
As a result, Pro Football Focus ranked him the No.2 cornerback returning to college football last season. However, Smith wasn't too pleased with it.
“Bulls***,” Smith told 247Sports. “There’s no corner who played better than me last year.”
Tell them how you feel Smith.
2022 was another solid campaign for Smith with 27 tackles, an interception, and five passes defended.
The Bengals have been linked multiple times to Oklahoma offensive lineman Anton Harrison recently in the first round. However, Smith wouldn't be a bad selection either considering his prowess against SEC competition.
