New Bengals NFL 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 a tremendous resource to help build a defensive unit capable of doing enough for a prolific offense to win games and get the Bengals back into the playoffs.

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 (4/15)

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

The Cincinnati Bengals have consistently invested in their secondary but have yet to yield significant results. The organization must invest as much as it possibly can on the defensive side of the ball. The position doesn't really matter since the unit can improve at every level.

However, an opportunity to claim the class' top corner in LSU's Mansoor Delane matches up well for a squad trying to field a complementary defense opposite its high-flying offense.

"While there have been signs of life at corner for the Bengals recently, an upgrade in the secondary is required," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "The Virginia Tech transfer played his best football after transferring and facing SEC competition. Delane plays big, brings a physical skillset to the boundary and competes down the field. He can step in and immediately lead Cincinnati's secondary."

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

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 (4/15)

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

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 someone who can develop into a true difference-maker. Using another top-10 pick on a LSU prospect would be a nice touch to get the roster back to Super Bowl-caliber.