Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft: Updated Day 3 Predictions

With one day left and five picks to burn over four rounds, the Cincinnati Bengals are free to hit however and wherever they choose after an interesting first three rounds of the 2015 NFL draft.

Coach Marvin Lewis and Co. decided to go best player available no matter what, grabbing Texas A&M offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi in the first round and then Oregon offensive tackle Jake Fisher in the second.

The approach switched to need after, at least a tad, in the third round, where they scooped up Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft at No. 85 and TCU linebacker Paul Dawson at No. 99, an extra selection.

Saturday's needs are obvious. The Bengals need a fourth receiver who can create separation and help in the defensive trenches to provide competition. Young legs in the secondary couldn't hurt, either.

Within, let's take a look at how Day 3 may unfold. As the Bengals showed, anything is possible—and they'll stick to their board no matter what.

Round 4

Pick 120: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

Maybe the Cincinnati Bengals were on to something by not addressing defensive tackle earlier. 

For one reason or another, the position is sliding way down the board, which works in the organization's favor because it needs a young player to push Devon Still and Brandon Thompson.

Ohio State's Michael Bennett fits the bill as a prototypical 3-technique rusher in a 4-3 alignment. He's perhaps the best in the class when it comes to this particular skill, making him an obvious choice to spell for Geno Atkins.

Pick 135: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Stefon Diggs remains an outstanding target for the Bengals in the fourth round.

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson needs wideouts down the depth chart who can create separation at the line of scrimmage. Diggs can do it in droves, stretching secondaries down the field and creating the big play.

Even better, while he may not see the field a ton as a fourth wideout, especially with Tyler Kroft now on the roster, Diggs is an elite kick-return prospect who will give Brandon Tate a run for his job and help someone such as Adam Jones focus only on his defensive responsibilities.

Round 5

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Pick 157: Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville

At some point, the Cincinnati Bengals need to grab another defensive back to provide some insurance on the back end of the defense. 

Round 5 seems a good spot with Charles Gaines perhaps on the board. At 5'10" and 180 pounds, the Louisville product touts good size and his coverage skills underneath are of great value in a situational capacity.

Cincinnati needs to think about the future with Leon Hall and Adam Jones aging, so Gaines, as a developmental project for a season or so, may work out in the long run. At the very least, he's an elite athlete to turn loose on special teams.

Round 6

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 197: Kristjan Sokoli, DE, Buffalo

Defensive end was another question area for the Cincinnati Bengals going into the draft, although it's clear the coaching staff isn't too concerned. 

Perhaps they shouldn't be with Michael Johnson back in the fold, Margus Hunt healthy and Will Clarke still developing.

Still, it couldn't hurt to add a project player late in the draft and see what happens, and Kristjan Sokoli is one of the first names that comes to mind. He played out of position at Buffalo, but he projects as a defensive end with elite physical upside.

Sokoli provides some competition and a 6'5", 300-pound presence to work with and groom. He's a project, but one waiting for the proper mold from a smart coaching staff.

Round 7

John Raoux/Associated Press

Pick 238: Cedric Thompson, S, Minnestoa

Safety is another spot the Cincinnati Bengals figure to reinforce Saturday.

Reggie Nelson is a fine starter and George Iloka had a breakout season last year, but there's little in the way of a sure thing behind them. With a player such as Minnesota's Cedric Thompson, the coaching staff gets a raw prospect who offers something in the way of upside.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein summed up what Thompson brings to the table:

"

Combination safety with above-average athletic traits and size, but plays with below-average instincts and isn't as trustworthy as teams would like on the back end. Thompson seems slow to see things on tape and uses his athleticism to make up for it. If he can be trained to recognize and react more quickly, he has a shot to make a roster. 

"

In the sixth and seventh rounds, teams such as the Bengals are looking for versatile prospects with immense upside, a combination sure to help them make the roster.

Thompson offers both, and at No. 238 is great value.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of May 1 at 9 p.m. ET. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.