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Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft

By Dani Bostick

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts on the sidelines prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts on the sidelines prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) is congratulated by safety Jalen Mills (28) after Martin intercept the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) with seconds left in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) is congratulated by safety Jalen Mills (28) after Martin intercept the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) with seconds left in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2: Jalen Mills, Free Safety, LSU

The Bengals do not have an urgent need at safety, but playing in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals secondary could use some added depth. Through Week 14, the Bengals are ranked 16th in pass defense, allowing 242.6 yards per game. While they are second in the league in points allowed, the Steelers offense picked apart the Bengals defense in Week 14, racking up 33 points, almost double their season average points allowed.

Speaking of the Steelers, the Bengals’ AFC North rival might also be on the lookout for promising safeties and cornerbacks. If Jalen Mills is still on the board, it would behoove the Bengals to snatch him up. Mills is one of many talented cornerbacks declaring for the NFL draft, so a second-round pick at defensive back will likely be more competent than second-round choices in previous years.

Mills in particular is a playmaker.

A versatile athlete with strong football intelligence and sharp instincts, Mills also has experience playing cornerback. Mills could come with some positional flexibility depending on the Bengals exact needs in the secondary.

Mills has been criticized for his tackling ability and could use some added bulk. At 6’0″ and 195 pounds, Mills is quick and agile, but could benefit from added power and strength.

An ankle injury limited Mills’ productivity during the 2015 season, but he still should be on the radar for teams who want to take advantage of the glut of talented defensive backs in the 2016 draft.

Next: Round 3: OLB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

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