2018 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock
By Conor Dorney
Tyler Eifert is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent and if the team is comfortable with moving ahead with Tyler Kroft and Mason Schreck, they could use a 2018 selection at the tight end position. At 6-foot-5, 257 pounds, Smythe checks all the size boxes that the Bengals covet at the position and is one of the best in-line blockers in this class.
With Kroft and Schreck being the more athletic “move” tight ends, Smythe’s experience handling in-line blocking duties would be a nice addition for two-tight end sets to help improve the running game.
Round 6
If the Bengals don’t bring back center Russell Bodine, expect them to wind up with three offensive lineman from this class when all is said and done.
Clapp is an extremely smart player capable of stepping in and starting at center for the Bengals from day one. Clapp also has some positional versatility after starting at left guard in his sophomore season.
Round 7
Bradley Chubb got the headlines on a stacked NC State front seven, but Justin Jones was one of the conference’s most underrated pass rushers. Though a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 312 pounds, Jones has a nonstop motor and has the strength to fight through opposing blocks.
The Bengals added some nice pieces to their edge rush with 2017 selections in Jordan Willis and Carl Lawson, but a pass rushing threat on the interior would be a valuable addition in the later rounds of the 2018 draft.