NFL mock draft experimenting with Bengals trading back into Round 1
The Bengals don't have a first-round pick now. But here's a mock draft in which they trade back into the round.
The Cincinnati Bengals made a very uncharacteristic move over the weekend, acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the No. 10 pick in this week’s draft. As a result, the Bengals are now scheduled to make their first selection at No.
41 overall during Friday’s second round. But is there a world in which the Bengals trade back into the first round on Thursday? Using the A to Z Sports simulator, we explored the possibility of the Bengals moving up to secure an inside linebacker.
No. 32 (projected trade with Seattle) - CJ Allen, LB, Georgia The Bengals are able to trade up to the last pick of the first round, sending picks 41 and 199 this year plus a 4th-round pick next year to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. CJ Allen was a key piece of the Georgia defense for three seasons, starting as a freshman and eventually becoming a leader and captain for Kirby Smart.
The Bengals are hoping to come away with a potential starting option at linebacker in this draft and this is one possible pathway to that. And it’s not very costly, sending a sixth this year and a fourth next year to move up nine spots to grab a player that can make an impact behind Dexter Lawrence in the middle of the defense. No.