2012 NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Look To Build on Success

The Cincinnati Bengals are off to a surprising 5-2 start so far in 2011. With nearly half of the season completed, it's about that time to speculate about who will be wearing black and orange in 2012.

Cincinnati received an extra first-rounder from the Raiders in the Palmer deal, a third-rounder as compensation for losing Jonathan Joseph to the Texans in free agency, and a fifth- and sixth-rounder from the Patriots for Chad Ochocinco.

That leaves the Bengals with 11 picks in the 2012 draft.

1st Round: Pick 13 (From Raiders) Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama

The loss of Jonathan Joseph has been less obvious than expected in 2011, thanks to the strong play of Nate Clements.

Week 8 didn't sit too well in the stomachs of many Bengals fans, however, as Tarvaris Jackson was able to pass for over 300 yards in only three quarters of play. Charlie Whitehurst started the game but was pulled in favor of Jackson, who went off on the Cincinnati secondary, despite concerns that he was not even at full strength.

With the first-round pick gained in the Palmer deal, I think the Bengals look to solidify the secondary, opposite of Leon Hall by selecting Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama. Kirkpatrick is arguably the most NFL-ready of all the CBs in the 2012 draft, and Alabama tends to prepare it's players pretty well for the Pro's. The selection of a 6'2" physical, shut-down corner should help the Cincinnati defense become truly elite.

1st Round: Pick 20 Cordy Glenn, OG Georgia

With the 20th pick in the 2012 draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will select Cordy Glenn, guard from Georgia. Big #71 that you see in the picture has size and athleticism that the Bengals could use at right guard.

Bobbie Williams is aging and as we found out this year, has a few off-field issues that need to be dealt with. Letting him walk in free agency and letting Glenn take over may not be a bad idea.

The 6'4" 348-pound behemoth should do a better job opening holes than Clint Boling. With Andre Smith finally starting to show that he's capable of being a starting right tackle in the NFL, it would be wise to solidify the right side of the front five for the extended future and protect franchise QB Andy Dalton. 

Round 2: Lamar Miller, RB Miami

With their second-round pick, Cincinnati will look for a change in the running game.

Cedric Benson is having a disappointing 2011 campaign, and it would be best for Mike Brown to let Benson walk at the end of the year. Cedric has only made headlines for voicing his displeasure with play-calling, rather than doing his job on the field.

Lamar Miller, the young burner out of The U, is the best choice for Cincinnati in Round 2. Miller, only a sophomore, will leave Miami and chase the money. Getting out before sanctions are handed down is the best idea for a young talent like Miller.

Possessing 4.3-4.4 speed and incredible shiftiness, Miller reminds me of a LeSean McCoy-type of running back. Capable of being an every down guy, with great ability to catch out of the backfield, I think that Miller would be a perfect fit in Jay Gruden's system and add another dynamic young position player to an already promising offense.

Round 3: Keenan Robinson, OLB Texas

Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard were signed to be stopgaps at linebacker in order to soften the loss of Keith Rivers to injury.

While all of the free agents have filled in admirably within the Bengals defense this year, it would be wise to add some depth to the position with Keenan Robinson. Robinson has great size at 6'3", 240 lbs., but what makes him intriguing is the athleticism that he possesses.

A 40-yard dash time in the upper 4.6 range makes him athletic enough to move sideline to sideline with receivers. Taking a year or two to develop on the bench and in special teams could prove to be helpful to Robinson as he may be sort of a project. In the end, though, he has the ability to be a starting OLB in the NFL. Having him opposite of Keith Rivers, with Rey Maualuga manning the middle, could be a scary thought for opposing offenses in 2014.

Round 3: Antonio Allen, S South Carolina

Reggie Nelson has played rather well in 2011 and seems to finally have realized some of his potential that made him a first-round pick out of Florida in 2007.

Chris Crocker has been hot and cold, while Taylor Mays still doesn't look like he is ready to be a starter just yet. Crocker may still have a year or two left in him, but ultimately the Bengals need to look for a replacement sometime soon.

Gibril Wilson adds depth, but he doesn't off a clear cut future at strong safety. Antonio Allen has decent size at 6'1", 210 lbs. and plays for a great collegiate program. He may be able to compete with  Mays for a spot in the starting lineup by 2013  and should strengthen the defensive backfield even as a backup/nickel corner. 

Rounds 4-7:

At this point in the draft, it's wise to take the best player available:

Round 4: Dan "Boom" Herron, RB Ohio State

Herron is more of a downhill runner than Miller, and the two could provide a great 1-2 punch. Bernard Scott doesn't seem to be capable of handling a heavy load of carries, and I think it's best to start all over in the backfield.

Round 5: Juron Criner, WR Arizona

With no one knowing what will happen to Jerome Simpson with the law, and with Jordan Shipley recovering from injury, it would be a good idea for the Bengals to take a flier on Criner. At 6'4", 215 lbs., why not try to draft a physically gifted receiver and add weapons for "The Red Rifle?"

Round 5: Mitchell Schwartz, OT California

Schwartz was second team All-Pac-10 in 2010 and shows durability that you want from a tackle. Whitworth and Smith seem to have the tackle positions locked down, but it would never hurt to draft a backup who is NFL-ready and is always capable to step in when you need him. 

Round 6: Chad Diehl, FB Clemson

6'2", 260 lbs., with a 40-yard dash of 4.72 seconds. That's a big, athletic fullback who can catch out of the backfield and lead through the hole. Chris Pressley is a serviceable fullback, but Cincinnati hasn't has a rock solid fullback since the days of Jeremi Johnson. A good lead blocker would go a long way towards Lamar Miller's success.

Round 6: D'Anton Lynn, CB Penn State

Lynn is a physical CB, standing at 6'0", 210 lbs. A highly touted prospect heading into college, Lynn could be had at a low price due to injury concerns. His stock may have slipped this year due to a neck injury, but he's back in action now and would provide great value with for a sixth-rounder.

Round 7: Derek Moye, WR Penn State

We saw it last year. Mike Brown took Ryan Whalen after already taking a receiver earlier. Derek Moye is huge. Some outlets have him at 6'5", but I've seen him listed at 6'6" as well. He has great leaping ability, but not great speed. He's a guy that goes up and gets jump balls though, and personally I think he's a steal if still available at this point.

2012 Bengals Outlook

We probably won't see the Lombardi Trophy in Andy Dalton's hands at the end of the 2012 season, but you can bet that Cincinnati will have a chance. With Dre Kirkpatrick, Cordy Glenn and Lamar Miller all being immediate impact players, you will see the Bengals take control over the AFC North. Pittsburgh and Baltimore will continue to age, and The Baby Bengals will grow into a serious contender. Get ready for the 2012 season, and let's all give a big "Thank You" to the Oakland Raiders for setting us up perfectly for an incredible draft.

Until next time, Who Dey!