Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft: Picking Every Round for Need Only

No team can draft based on needs alone, because that's simply not how things fall in the draft. However, one can produce a mock draft that has a team picking only based around needs in order to illustrate some of the options they have in each round.

Such is the case here, wherein I provide for your my full, seven- (or rather, in this case, six-) round mock draft for the Cincinnati Bengals that takes only needs into account. Enjoy, and please feel free to provide your alternative choices in the comments below.

Round 1, Pick 17: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Bobbie Williams isn't expected back with the Bengals and they lost Nate Livings in free agency, so finding a first-round guard to replace one of them—while likely going with Clint Boling to fill the other spot—is hugely important. David DeCastro is the top guard in this year's draft, but that doesn't mean the Bengals cannot land him. Steve Hutchinson went 17th overall in 2001, so it's conceivable Cincinnati could get DeCastro at 17 this year.

Round 1, Pick 21: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

I've long loved the Bengals to snag cornerback Stephon Gilmore out of South Carolina with one of these two first-round picks, but the team only needs to add one more corner, and a top receiver is more of a pressing need. It's a deep receiver class, to be sure, but Wright's skill set—speed, good hands, ability to get yards after catch—is perfect for the Bengals' passing game.

Round 2, Pick 53: Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

The Bengals can meet their cornerback need in the second round with Central Florida's Josh Robinson. He's a bit on the smaller side, but he has a great vertical leap that makes up for it. He's strong enough to play man-to-man and can also cover the slot if need be, but he'll need some refining before taking the field in the regular season.

Round 3, Pick 83: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

It's really hard to tell just where LaMichael James will go in this year's draft. He's explosive between the tackles despite being somewhat undersized, doesn't have a lot of pass-catching experience but can block well and has a few character-related red flags. He'd be the perfect third in what looks to be a three-headed rushing attack for the Bengals this year, despite his few drawbacks.

If James isn't available at this pick, Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead might be, and he'd fit well in this role as well.

Round 4, Pick 116: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

Troy's Jonathan Massaquoi is a bit undersized to play 4-3 defensive end, but he could be useful in a hybrid DE/OLB role. His speed would make him a solid addition to the Bengals' pass rush, especially if he can add some muscle mass in the meantime. He wouldn't be an every-play starter, but his situational skills would still be very beneficial.

Round 5, Pick 156: Emmanuel Acho, ILB, Texas

The Bengals still need to build more depth on their defensive line, and bringing in someone like Emmanuel Acho, who has starting potential, would be a smart pick in the fifth round. He's got a smaller frame that could prove useful in zone coverage and strong blitzing skills. His speed could be better, but his football smarts are well-developed.

Round 5, Pick 166: Duke Ihenacho, S, San Jose State

The Bengals generally prefer their safeties to be larger and more athletic rather than speedy, which is exactly what Duke Ihenacho brings to the table. He's a physical tackler, plays well in the box and goes after running backs with intensity. Ihenacho also has linebacker experience, but his overall skill set needs developing. He's a good fifth-rounder here, however.

Round 6, Pick 191: T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State

The Bengals would be well-served to pick up a receiving prospect with slot potential, like N.C. State's T.J. Graham. Graham is a big-play machine, catching 46 passes last year, with four of them going 60 or more yards—clearly he's fast. Though he doesn't have the biggest size, he's still hard to tackle and has kick and punt return experience as well. He could easily develop into the team's go-to slot receiver at a value.

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