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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 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) call a play in the huddle during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) call a play in the huddle during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4: Jack Allen, Center, Michigan State

Andy Dalton is the crown jewel of the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Bengals offensive line is not effective, Andy Dalton’s dominance will diminish. Weak offensive lines usually limit productivity on the ground as well.

Center Kyle Cook’s retirement in 2014 has hit the Bengals hard. Although the team has had an outstanding season so far, current starting center Russell Bodine has been a liability to the offensive line. He has allowed too many quarterback hurries and has appeared out of his league when facing veteran NFL lineman. In Week 14, Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers was pushing Bodine around like a rag doll.

Jack Allen, a center out of Michigan State, has performed in high-pressure situations, helping protect the Michigan State quarterback through a very successful 2015 regular season.

Along with the rest of the offensive line, he paved the way for quarterback Connor Cook’s success, and also made backups Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry look good in MSU’s upset victory over Ohio State.

Allen is described as a strong leader and has made steady improvements throughout his career at MSU. Given Bodine’s weakness, the Bengals may consider investing a mid-round draft pick on a promising center.

Next: Round 5: RB Josh Ferguson

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