New Bengals Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

The pressure is on in Cincinnati to revamp a defense that has been broken for too long. A top-ten pick is an excellent resource to start the process of building a defensive unit capable of doing enough for a stellar offense to win games.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Bengals to do with the No. 10 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 10): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Any defensive addition by the Cincinnati Bengals should be viewed a positive.

Obviously, the Bengals are built around quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It falls on the defense to slow opposing offenses and an addition of the class' top cornerback, LSU's Mansoor Delane, will definitely help a pass defense that finished among the league's bottom seven last season.

"While there have been signs of life at corner for the Bengals, an upgrade can be hugely beneficial," B/R Scout Daniel Harms said. "Delane brings a physical demeanor from the boundary, won't back down against bigger receivers and can seamlessly transition from man to zone coverage with little drop off. His football IQ stands out, and he'd walk in as a Day 1 starter at a position where the Bengals need difference-makers as well as depth."

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 10): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 10): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 10): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 10): Edge Reuben Bain Jr., Miami

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 10): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 10): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 10): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Summary

Defensive will be the total focus for a franchise with championship aspirations. Whether it's in the secondary or in the trenches, they need a player who they can build around. Using another top-10 pick on a LSU prospect would be a nice touch to get the roster back to Super Bowl-caliber.