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, Dameon Pierce

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 02: Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 02, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Round 4: Dameon Pierce

Pierce doesn’t project as a game-breaker at the NFL level from his running back spot, but he would give the Bengals a physical runner capable of soaking up carries behind Mixon on the depth chart. Add in Pierce’s ability to be a plus pass-catcher and pass-protector and it’s easy to see why he’ll have a solid NFL career.

Mixon wants to dominate the workload, but Cincinnati can benefit from keeping him fresh throughout the full season. Landing a solid back like Pierce in Round 4 would afford Taylor and his coaching staff that sort of luxury.

Round 4: Darrian Beavers

Beavers is a highly-physical middle linebacker prospect who can help the Bengals stop the run as a rookie. Questions about his ability to handle coverage responsibilities will push him down into Round 4. The Bengals can afford to take him and groom him to be their starting middle linebacker of the future without being overly concerned with his coverage skills.

Round 5: C.J. Wright

Wright is another physical defender who can help the Bengals right away. He can give them immediate depth at the defensive tackle position. He’s a better run defender than pass rusher, but Cincinnati can afford that given their base 4-3 setup.

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