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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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Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Outside Linebacker, Tennessee

University of Tennessee outside linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been a star for Tennessee, will not be an immediate plug-and-play star in the NFL, particularly with the Bengals.

Since the Bengals do not have a linebacker emergency, Reeves-Maybin as a third-round pick could provide some longer-term security and depth at that position.

Reeves-Maybin is 6’1″ and 225 pounds, but has pointed out to the media, that there have been other small, successful linebackers in the league. Via the Columbia Daily Herald, Reves-Baybin mentioned London Fleter, Jon Beason, and Kwon Alexander.

Reeves-Maybin was named to the Associated Press All-SEC team for 2015 and has impressive statistics. He is top ten in the SEC for tackles and tackles for a loss. Among SEC linebackers, he is ranked fourth for sacks.

In addition to physical talent, Reeves-Maybin is said to have excellent football IQ. Scouting reports have noted he is a strong leader in the locker room as well.

Still, he will have to put on some bulk to compete at the NFL level. Since he will not be a first-round pick, he won’t be expected to contribute immediately. He will have time to get acclimated to the league and make adjustments to improve his chances of an NFL career.

Next: Round 4: C Jack Allen

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