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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 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Beaver Stadium press box prior to the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Beaver Stadium press box prior to the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 7: TE Kyle Carter, Tight End, Penn State

Tyler Eifert is a versatile tight end who is a favorite target of Andy Dalton and has many years left in his career. A large athlete at 6’6″ and 250 pounds, Eifert was drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft.

Penn State players tend to transition well into the NFL. Recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted tight end Jesse James in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Jesse James did not stand out during the pre-season, but in the absence of Health Miller in Week 13, James filled in very well. Blocking, a pre-draft deficit, has become a strength, and though he dropped some easy passes in the preseason, he has been reliable in the regular season when Roethlisberger chooses to target him.

Kyle Carter could use some extra bulk on his 6’3″ frame, but he is an extremely versatile player. While he might not be able to function as an extra lineman, he has a proven track record as a receiver, totaling 453 yards during his freshman year before Jesse James and Adam Breneman ended up being more frequent targets.

Carter is worth pursuing, especially in the seventh round. Eifert is more than adequate as the featured tight end, but there is room for Carter on the squad even as a backup. His versatility and potential make him a sensible seventh-round pick.

The Bengals have had a surprisingly strong 2016 season. They will need to replenish talent, however, due to inevitable losses to free agency and aging players. The Bengals have proven in 2015 that they are championship contenders beyond the AFC North. Smart draft picks can help them fortify their roster and ensure continued success.

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