Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft: Best and Worst Case for Every Round

The Boy Scouts of America's motto is "Be prepared." It's also a good piece of advice for teams and fans alike to take come NFL draft day.

One pick that doesn't go "as planned" (which could mean about six different things this time of year) could throw off the agendas of every team that picks afterwards, meaning a lot happens on the fly in war rooms once the action kicks off.

If a team doesn't respond to those changes well, it could prove disastrous for their draft class. That's why it's smart to be ready for everything from the ideal to the not-so-ideal.

With that in mind, here's my full, seven (OK, technically six) round best-case/worst-case mock draft for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Round 1, Pick 17

Best Case: David DeCastro, OG

Worst Case: Cordy Glenn, OG

There are a number of ways the Bengals can handle the first round of the draft, considering they hold two mid-round picks. There's little chance they won't meet two of their three most immediate needs—guard, cornerback, wide receiver—with these two picks, and it's hard to say they'll go all that wrong, whoever they choose.

I have the Bengals going with offensive line at No. 17, though again, they have a number of options and don't necessarily need to. Their best-available option, David DeCastro, could still be on the board at this pick, and if so, there's little chance they take a pass on him.

If he is gone, however, and they're committed to picking up a guard, then Cordy Glenn should still be there, ready for their selection. Glenn does need to improve his technique some, but his versatility on the line makes him a first-round asset.

Round 1, Pick 21

Best Case: Stephen Hill, WR

Worst Case: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB

The draft's top two receivers, Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd, should already be spoken for at this point, and Kendall Wright is slowly slipping. Stephen Hill has been connected to the Bengals for a while now, and he'd be a fabulous addition to their receiving corps.

With Hill and A.J. Green for quarterback Andy Dalton to throw to, the Bengals could easily have one of the scariest passing attacks in the league. But if the Bengals think there will be enough receiving talent still on the board in the second round, they may take advantage of the solid crop of first-round corners and add Dre Kirkpatrick at 21 instead.

Round 2, Pick 53

Best Case: Josh Robinson, CB

Worst Case: Alshon Jeffery, WR

This pick represents the last best chance for the Bengals to pick up a start-worthy cornerback, so if they haven't addressed the position already, then they would be smart to draft Central Florida's Josh Robinson. He's a little undersized, but has a great vertical leap that makes up for it and would be well-suited to cover the slot.

Alshon Jeffery's stock is kind of impossible to pinpoint right now. He's extremely talented with virtually no ceiling if he's motivated and in the right situation, and I see the Bengals at being just that kind of good fit. It's so hard to tell if Jeffery will still be available at this point in the second round, but if he is and Cincy has yet to bring on another receiver, they'd be ridiculous to pass on him.

Round 3, Pick 83

Best Case: LaMichael James, RB

Worst Case: Isaiah Pead, RB

The third round is the ideal place for the Bengals to pick up another running back. They have two already on the roster—BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott—but all indications point to them picking up a third, speedy change-of-pace back to complement the two.

Both LaMichael James and Isaiah Pead fit the bill, with James having the slightly higher upside. They need a fast guy who can help in the passing game and put up big yards, and both are capable of doing so. They go with James if he's there, Pead if he's not.

Round 4, Pick 116

Best Case: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE

Worst Case: Trevor Guyton, DE/DT

Jonathan Massaquoi is yet another of those players where it is hard to tell just where he'll be drafted—he could go as high as the third round. However, if he doesn't and the Bengals can pick him up in the fourth, I believe they should. They still aren't completely set on the defensive line, and a player like Massaquoi, who is talented, worth developing and can get action situationally as a rookie, is worth the pick.

Otherwise, California's Trevor Guyton should almost certainly still be on the board with this pick and wouldn't be a bad add at all. He's big and strong and a great tackler and can play any position on the defensive line, but he has a few issues with his fundamentals that may make him a project at least for his rookie year.

Round 5, Pick 156

Best Case: Duke Ihenacho, SS

Worst Case: T.Y. Hilton, WR

The Bengals truly need some depth at safety, and Duke Ihenacho has all the physical attributes the team looks for in a safety. Need and talent meet here in the fifth round in a player who could prove to be a major steal. He's an intense, physical tackler who can also play linebacker if necessary.

Otherwise, the Bengals are in the market for a slot receiver. Jordan Shipley should return fully recovered from his knee injury, but it would be good for Cincy to have depth at the spot and another player worth developing. He's undersized and fast, so the slot is the best spot for him. He could also be used effectively on kick and punt returns.

Round 5, Pick 166

Best Case: Sean Spence, LB

Worst Case: Vontaze Burfict, LB

More depth on defense isn't a bad thing for the Bengals at all, and linebacker Sean Spence (who could go as high as the third but who I project will still be around here in the fifth because other players will bounce above him) could provide that and more. Spence is a disciplined, tackling machine who comes with a few injury concerns. With his size and speed, he could also serve as a strong safety in the Bengals' system.

A terrible fit for Cincy, especially in the fifth round, is Vontaze Burfict. He's a project who may never develop into the top pass-rusher he was once thought capable of being. He may be tempting if he's still available in the fifth round, but that's one temptation the Bengals must fight.

Round 6, Pick 191

Best Case: T.J. Graham, WR

Worst Case: None

If the Bengals don't pick up T.Y. Hilton later on, T.J. Graham is a great sixth-round addition who brings depth at the slot receiver position. He's a big-play, high-yardage receiver who relies more on his speed than his size. He could develop into quite the gem and is worth picking up in the low-risk sixth round.

The sixth round is the last time the Bengals pick in this draft, barring any trades, and there are few bad picks they could make here. I suggest they also avoid Burfict here, if possible.

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