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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 18: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs walks off the field during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 18: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs walks off the field during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Mississippi State. Jeffery Simmons. 21. player. 56. . Defensive Tackle

The Bengals landed starters with their first two selections of the 2018 draft with center Billy Price and safety Jessie Bates. Jeffery Simmons might not be a starter for Marvin Lewis on Week 1, but he could make a big impact for the Bengals’ defense by the time the playoffs roll around.

Simmons could give Cincinnati an upgrade over Andrew Billings at the nose tackle position. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds he’s got quality size for the interior now, but he can still add weight to his massive frame. It’s not a stretch to think he could play at something close to 320 by the time his rookie season ends.

Putting him next to Geno Atkins would give the Bengals one of the most dynamic defensive fronts in the league. Not many teams have two defensive tackles who can credibly rush the passer. Atkins has already proven he can do that, and Simmons has the talent to do it as well.

In a perfect world, the Bengals would like to add a top flight defensive end here to replace Michael Johnson. However, that’s not where the value is at this point in the draft. Plucking Simmons at No. 21 would be a coup for Cincinnati.

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