Bengals Draft Depot

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Even though Fairley only had one good year in college, he was dominant that year. Especially on the biggest stage, the National Championship Game. Carolina needs help at DT and someone that dominant can be a game changer.

2. Denver Broncos- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson

John Fox is now the head coach in Denver and he had Julius Peppers in Carolina. Although Bowers isn't quite on that level, he is still an elite pass rusher and Fox won for a lot of years because he knew being good up front is how you consistently win.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Even though Quinn missed the 2010 season due to suspension, he is very talented. The Bills are supposed to be converting to a 3-4 and Quinn is a perfect fit for an OLB that is an elite pass rusher. They have Tom Brady in their division, and the best way to beat him is to pressure him.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia

I'd like to build up front if i'm running the Bengals, but the value isn't there on either line with the top 3 D lineman gone and no O lineman worth this pick. AJ Green is a stud and arguably the best player on the board, he or Patrick Peterson. I think Chad and TO are gone next year and I'll be glad, you don't win with those kind of players. Carson Palmer played his best when they were out because the WR's let him lead them and they ran to where they were supposed to, not just out there doing their own thing. With Chad and TO gone the Bengals will need that number 1 WR that commands attention and double teams. Having Green, Simpson, Shipley, Gresham, and Caldwell will give the Bengals an elite group of young talent at the WR and TE positions and be tough to stop when they pass for years to come.

Having these young guys will get Palmer's career back on track in my opinion because they'll listen to him and he'll be able to take charge of this team and be a true leader finally. If he doesn't you go QB next year and they will be coming into an offense that's loaded with players that can catch the ball.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Gabbert is flying up big boards. The Cardinals need to do something at the QB spot if they want to contend and as of now they haven't gone out and gotten a veteran FA QB. If they don't take a QB they should trade Fitzgerald it'd be a waste to have a WR of that caliber stuck with QB's like they have.

6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama

I believe the Browns will go back to a 4-3 with the firing of Mangini as that's what Holmgren ran when he was coaching. Dareus is versatile and can play any spot on the line and that will probably have him picked ahead of Paea who I have ranked slightly higher.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

This is a no brainer if Peterson is left here. True the Niners need a QB, but Cam Newton will not be picked here as he would be a bad fit in Harbaugh's system. Without a top notch QB the best way to win is to build a dominant defense and getting an elite CB like Peterson to go with an already stout D will give them that in San Fran.

8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

The Titans have needed an upgrade at DT since Haynesworth left. Paea is freakishly strong and will command double teams and help free up last year's 1st rounder Jason Pierre-Paul.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Tony Romo got flattened last year and Jerry Jones will try to prevent that as Dallas' O line was below average last year. Some might think this is high for Carimi but I think he's about as close to a sure thing at RT as you can get.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Redskins have no play makers at WR outside of Santana Moss and even that's a stretch. Their best receiver is Chris Cooley in my opinion.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Texans Defense was terrible in 2010. They could go pass rusher here as they'll be switching to a 3-4 under Wade Phillips, but Amukamara fits a big time need and is one of two CB's who look to be elite coming out of this draft class.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn

Newton is going to go high in this draft and I can see the Vikings falling for his skill set. Alot of comparisons to Vince Young have been made, but I think Newton is a way better passer than Vince Young is and he's a winner that matters big time at the QB position.

13. Detroit Lions- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Lions offense was much improved this year, but they still need upgrades on the line especially at OT. Solder has good athleticism and projects to be a LT which could help keep Stafford healthy for once.

14. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Justin Blackmon going back to school hurts the Rams here a little, but Baldwin has the skill set to be an elite number 1 WR in the NFL. He's tall at 6' 5", and has great speed for his size and the hands to go with it. He had a down year this year, but the QB play at Pitt was terrible and his workouts will propel him up draft boards.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Ingram is the only worthy 1st round RB and the Dolphins should jump all over this pick. They love to run the ball and I don't think Ronnie Brown will be back and Ricky Williams is too old to carry the entire load. Ingram can be an every down back.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Jags signed Aaron Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee before the season even started. With Peyton Manning in their division they need a pass rusher.

17. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State (from Oakland)

Heyward will be a perfect fit at DE in the Pats 3-4 and will be the best DE they've had since Richard Seymour.

18. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue

The Chargers haven't had that elite pass rusher since they made Shawn Merriman stop taking steroids. Kerrigan will finally give them that.

19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Giants weakest position group was LB without a doubt last year. It was masked somewhat because of their good D line. Ayers is the top 4-3 OLB in this draft class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Ronde Barber is getting old and Talib has been okay for TB at CB. They could definitely use an upgrade and Harris the last first round CB left.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

Miller will be a perfect fit in KC's 3-4 under Romeo Crennel. With him across from Hali they'll have an elite pass rushing duo coming off the edge and a D line full of 1st rounders that are good. Fans in KC should be excited they have a ton of young talent, especially on defense.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

The Colts major weakness was the interior of their offensive line. Pouncey projects to be a beast inside just like his brother. In Indy it should be simple, keep the line loaded with talent and depth and Peyton Manning will win you Super Bowls.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Tyron Smith, OT, USC

I think Vick will be back in Philly and he took a pounding last year with sacks. Get him some athletic O lineman that can pass block and they could be Super Bowl contenders.

24. New Orleans Saints- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

Putting Nevis next to Ellis on the interior of that D line would give the Saints a lethal duo that can stuff the run and get after the QB. They play with the lead alot which means teams are forced to throw against them, therefore it makes sense to stock up on pass rushers.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker, QB, Washington

If Locker is here when Seattle picks I'm almost certain he'll be the pick. He's a hometown guy, will be a fan favorite, and will sell tickets. Locker has the skill set to be a top 10 NFL QB despite having a down year at Washington.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

The Ravens pick according to who's highest on their board, which is what I believe in as well for the most part. Jordan will be a perfect fit in their 3-4 at DE.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Houston plays in Georgia which will entice Atlanta. Plus he's one of the top players on the board and at a position that Atlanta definitely has a need. Other than Curtis Lofton their LB's are mediocre at best.

28. New England Patriots- Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

I think you're going to see a lot of players drafted in the same city they played their college ball in. The Pats couldn't hold up against the pressure the Jets brought in the playoffs and their O line is aging.

29. Green Bay Packers- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami

The Packers struggled to run the ball for the most part this season. Getting the top OG in the draft can help with that, plus it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on an O lineman when you have Aaron Rodgers.

30. New York Jets- Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas

The Jets O line has been having trouble with injuries lately. When you're philosophy is to run the ball you need to keep the O line stocked with depth.

31. Chicago Bears- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Bears were inconsistent running the ball and blocking for Jay Cutler all year long. Now that they have a 1st round pick for the first time in a couple years an O lineman is in order.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Heath Miller is getting older and hasn't produced much the last couple years. Rudolph is really the only decent TE in this draft class as far as a receiving TE goes.


2nd Round


33. New England Patriots- Ras I Dowling, CB, Virginia (from Carolina)

This basically isn't fair the Pats have 2 first round picks and the first pick in the 2nd round. Look for them to add a CB to play across from McCourtey.

34. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

Fitzpatrick played well last year, but if Mallett is sitting here in the 2nd I think the Bills will pull the trigger. At minimum it gives you competition and Mallett could be developed into a franchise QB, he can make every throw and has good size and strength. He needs to learn to throw under pressure though and that's a concern that will likely cause him to fall this far.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

Many have Moore falling to the 2nd as there isn't a ton of need for FS out there. The Bengals have that need though and Moore the best Safety in the country could vault the Bengals D back into the top 5. Having that FS that can cover and ball hawk will give Zimmer alot more flexibility in his play calling. It bothers me in this mock that there isn't someone taken by the Bengals on one of the lines, but Moore is the top player on the board at this point and at a position of need big time.

If you get anywhere near the production from Moore that he had at UCLA as far as interceptions the Bengals secondary will be one of the best in the NFL, as long as they get Joseph resigned. Look at all the young talent on this defense: Dunlap, Atkins, Peko, Sims, Micheal Johnson, Maualuga, Rivers, Hall, and Joseph. All those players are fairly young and have the makings of a dominant D for years to come if they stay healthy and the Bengals keep them all.

36. Denver Broncos- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Champ Bailey is getting old and likely won't be back in Denver next season. If the Broncos don't take Peterson in the first, they should go CB in the 2nd.

37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

With Blackmon and Floyd returning to school next year that hurts the Browns as far as the WR's that will be available to them here. Holmgren doesn't draft WR's in the 1st so Smith will be the best option for them here as they need WR help in the worst way, they are terrible at WR.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

Bailey will be a good fit at DE in Arizona's 3-4. They play in a division with teams that like to run the ball and need to load up up front on defense.

39. Tennessee Titans- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State

The Titans need help up front, especially at Center where they've been weak since losing Kevin Mawae.

40. Dallas Cowboys- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Jerry Jones wants to win Super Bowls and he knows building up front is the way to do that unlike a certain owner/GM in Cincinnati. I know I've mocked a WR and FS in the first 2 rounds for the Bengals, but most years I'd be building up the lines.

41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco the Redskins are going to need someone that can play DT for them. They could go with a true NT here, but Liuget is a far better player than any NT available.

42. Houston Texans- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

For the Texans their picks should be simple, take the best defensive player on the board that fits your system. Beal is a good pass rusher coming off the edge and will fit in well in Wade Phillips 3-4.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Williamses are getting a little long in the tooth at DT and Minnesota could use someone to rotate in and keep them fresh.

44. Detroit Lions- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

The Lions were torched often in the passing game and with Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in their division they need cover guys.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Frank Gore has been beat up the past couple seasons. Harbaugh likes those big bruising backs and Ryan Williams has the talent of a 1st rounder.

46. Denver Broncos- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

The Broncos were run all over this past season. They need to do something to beef up their front seven.

47. St. Louis Rams- Benjamin Ijalana, OT/OG, Villanova

Jason Smith hasn't really lived up to the hype and the Rams have a promising young QB, it'd be a good idea to get him some more protection. Ijalana is versatile and can play about anywhere on the line.

48. Oakland Raiders- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

Nmandi Asomoagh is now an unrestricted free agent and I can't see why he'd want to stay in Oakland when they are unstable and fire a coach who made good progress.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Rasheen Mathis was a bust and is now gone in Jacksonville. The Jags have a big time need at Free Safety.

50. San Diego Chargers- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Chargers need another CB after trading Antonio Cromartie after last season. They have Cason who is decent but could definitely use an upgrade across from him.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Robert Sands, SS, West Virginia

I like what the Bucs have done so far on defense and if they draft like this mock turns out they could have the makings of a dominant D that won them a Super Bowl.

52. New York Giants- Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

Brandon Jacobs is unhappy with his role in NY and could be gone next year. Thomas is that big bruising back that can handle an entire workload if Bradshaw can't stay healthy.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Teams ran on the Colts fairly easy this past season. Jenkins will give them someone in the middle to help stuff that run.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

Lesean McCoy is a good back for the Eagles system, but they could use a bigger back to help them get those tough yards on short distances and the goal line.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State

The Chiefs were unable to get the ball to Bowe at all in their playoff game. Posey can help take some pressure and coverage off of him.

56. New Orleans Saints- Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can not stay healthy. The Saints are going to have to get someone else in there they can't keep depending on pickups off the street to play RB.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Stefen Wisniewski, OC/OG, Penn State

The Seahawks need help up front big time, especially on the interior of the line. Wisniewski can play OC or either OG spots.

58. Baltimore Ravens- Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Ravens could look for Ray Lewis's succesor in this draft. Hightower is a natural leader and can play next to Ray for a couple years.

59. Atlanta Falcons- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

The Falcons need someone to take some pressure off of Roddy White. It's amazing he's able to put up the numbers he does with no help outside of Tony Gonzalez who may retire.

60. New England Patriots- Greg Jones, OLB, Michigan State

The Pats will likely go heavy on defense in this draft. Jones is the type of player Belicheck likes a leader, that's a hard worker, and a team player with good character.

61. Green Bay Packers- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech

Charles Woodson is getting older and the Packers could use an upgrade at their nickel CB spot for now.

62. New York Jets- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Kris Jenkins has been hurt the last two years and the most important position in a 3-4 is NT in my opinion.

63. Chicago Bears- Titus Young, WR, Boise State

The Bears could use some help at WR, they don't have a true number 1 and this won't help them there but does add another playmaker.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh

The Steelers were decimated with injuries on the O line this year. Here they stay in the city and grab an OT to replace or play behind the aging Flozell Adams.