2022 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft

2022 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Tommy Lazzaro #7 celebrates with tight end Bernhard Raimann #86 of the Central Michigan Chippewas after scoring a touchdown against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks during the first half of the MAC Championship at Ford Field on December 7, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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Cincinnati Bengals mock draft, Josh Paschal

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Josh Paschal #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats warms up prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Josh Paschal

Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson give the Bengals a nice pair of starting edges heading into next season, but adding depth to the group should be an offseason priority. That’s why nabbing a power rusher like Paschal in Round 3 would be advisable for Cincinnati.

Paschal isn’t a classic speed rusher on the outside but he has more burst from the edge than opponents believe when looking at his frame. Combine that with his powerful strike at the point of attack and it’s easy to see why he made so many plays last season at Kentucky.

He can give the Bengals’ defense an added boost on obvious passing downs with his ability to slide inside and rush the passer. That’s going to be a need for this team if B.J. Hill isn’t back next year. Paschal isn’t going to be elite as an inside rusher, but he can help collapse the pocket with his powerful hands.

There’s a chance Paschal won’t last until Round 3 because of his high level of production in the SEC. He doesn’t project as a double-digit sack artist but he could grow into an above-average, well-rounded starter in the right system.

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