Cincinnati Bengals NFL mock draft based around A to Z Sports' latest top 200 big board

This is the fourth of six Cincinnati Bengals mock drafts we'll be doing leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. 13 days separate us from the NFL Draft, and everyone with a draft guide or big board has wrapped up their work for the world to see, including A to Z Sports' Destin Adams. Our newest […]

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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This is the fourth of six Cincinnati Bengals mock drafts we'll be doing leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.

13 days separate us from the NFL Draft, and everyone with a draft guide or big board has wrapped up their work for the world to see, including A to Z Sports' Destin Adams. 

Our newest Bengals mock draft is going to based entirely around Adams' final rankings of the top 200 prospects in this draft class.

There's but one rule: Cincinnati can only select a player ranked within two spots of their draft pick. The 18th overall pick has to be a player ranked between 16-20, the 49th pick between 47-51, and so on. 

Let's see what type of haul Adams' board has in store for the Bengals.

First round, 18th overall: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Adams' Big Board rank: 17

Latham may not have met with the Bengals since the NFL Scouting Combine, but it's likely because he's not expected to fall 18 picks in the draft. Latham has notably been in contact with several teams holding the first 10 picks. Him being available at 18 would be a surprise to everyone in Cincinnati, so consider this a value pick on top of one that fills a significant long-term need. 

Other options: Illinois DT Johnny Newton (16th), Georgia OT Amarius Mims (20th).

Second round, 49th overall: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

Adams' Big Board rank: 49

The buzz on Burton has been mostly negative of late, with NFL analyst Lance Zierlein stating his character issues may push him towards the fifth round. His talent and production in a vacuum makes him a Day 2 talent on paper, and the Bengals have a need for the explosion he provides an offense. It's just a matter of whether or not they want to risk the locker room dynamic they've diligently constructed over the years.

Other options: Rutgers CB Max Melton (47th), Florida State DT Braden Fiske (51st)

Third round, 80th overall: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State

Adams' Big Board rank: 78th

There are very few cornerbacks projected to go off the board between the second and third round that fit what the Bengals look for, but Green checks the important boxes. He's a bit on the older side with his 24th birthday coming in November, but he's got the speed and agility to handle man coverage. The Bengals need immediate depth behind both of their starting corners, and Green can potentially compete with DJ Turner II for his role.

Other options: Houston OT Patrick Paul (80th), Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter (81st)

Third round, 97th overall: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson

Consensus Big Board rank: 98th

Like Latham, this is definitely a value pick. Orhorhoro is a projected late second or early third round pick. Selecting him right before the end of the third round would be too tempting for the Bengals to pass up. He possesses arguably the best combination of get-off and length in this class of interior rushers and can play more than just the 3-technique. The Clemson to Cincinnati pipeline can never be counted out. 

Other options: Texas LB Jaylan Ford (96th), Utah ED Jonah Elliss (97th)

Fourth round, 115th overall: Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

Adams' Big Board rank: 117th

Doubling up on defensive tackles is expected, but Wingo falling this far is not. He's too young and athletic to not be a top 100 pick. He's a bit on the smaller side so 3-technique might be his permanent home, but that's no problem for a team without a long-term option at the position. 

Other options: Michigan G Zak Zinter (113rd), Washington WR Jalen McMillan (114th) 

Fifth round, 149th overall: Jahiem Bell, TE, Florida State

Adams' Big Board rank: 150th

Now we're back to more realistic options. Bell is looking like one of the more undervalued skill players in this entire class. Whether it be a lack of size traditionally valued at the tight end position, or his lack of true inline experience, it's more likely he falls outside the top 100 than inside. The Bengals could use a long-term weapon at the position with yards after the catch ability. 

Other options: Purdue RB Tyron Tracy (148th), Kentucky CB Andru Phillips (151st) 

Sixth round, 194th overall: Brandon Coleman, G, TCU

Adams' Big Board rank: 194th

Coleman was our fifth round selection in last week's mock draft, and Adams has him ranked a round later. Cincinnati needs stable depth (and competition) behind Cordell Volson at left guard and could use another emergency option at tackle. Coleman would fill both needs, which is ideal for a Day 3 offensive lineman.

Other options: UTSA WR Joshua Cephus (192nd), NC State C Dylan McMahon (195th)

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