My 1st 2013 Mock

[Lolli]

All mocks have holes in them. This one does not have a DE. Sorry for the DE lovers out there; it is a really good class.

1 Jonathan Cooper OG 6'3" 295 North Carolina – I have a feeling this pick is going to be wildly unpopular. The cool part about being me is that I do not care. Based on our performance and team rankings, offense would be the number one need. There is no RB worth a 1st round pick; we are looking decent at WR, though we need another possession guy (evident when Sanu went down); assuming we extend OT, we do not need a top OT for a year or two. Oh yeah, Cook is a joke. Robinson is better than Cook because he is way smarter at the position (heck he went to Notre Dame). As much as I like Robinson, I would like him even more if he was our primary back-up for the interior O-line.

Cooper is a Consensus All American; what more do you need to know? His coach is on record saying that he is the best player that he has ever coached. He is a captain of his team, and he is a humble team 1st player. He is extremely athletic, but needs to put on a couple of pounds. Cooper will be our new Center. He was the highest rated lineman for UNC this year grading out over 93%. Teamed up with Boling, we will have an unprecedented athletic interior for the Bengals. Some of you will be quick to point out that he is projected to go much higher than where we will be picking (I am guessing that we will be in the 25th slot after beating the Texans). Normally only two interior guys go in the 1st; usually 1 OG and 1 C. Warmack will most likely be the 1st one gone leaving the door open for us to take Cooper; leaving us with the best o-line in the NFL.

Alternative pick(s): Barrett Jones

Highlight(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4S5bcc0HQ0


2a Kenny Vaccaro S 6'0½" 218 Texas – This is a great year for Safeties, with 5 very good prospects this year: Reid, Vaccaro, Thomas, Rambo and Elam. Vaccaro was voted MVP of both his defense and team as a whole. Vaccaro has smooth hips that helps him run with most WRs and the size to take on most TEs. He has the size, speed, intelligence and leadership (team captain) to be an immediate starter capable of playing both Safety positions.

Stats: 158 Solo, 73 Ast, 14 TFL, 2 SK, 5 Int, 24 PD, 4 FF.

Alternative pick(s): Reid, Thomas

Highlight(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScLY4PTo83I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vd8KrpbG3g



2b Alec Ogletree ILB 6'3" 237 Georgia – his draft projections are all over the board from back half of the 1st to the 3rd round. On average, 1 ILB goes in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd. If we were purposely drafting a pure ILB, I would like Minter better; but I am assuming that Burfict takes over at Mike. I like Ogletree because I think he is capable of playing all 3 LB positions. He is another former Safety who has a heck of a range to go with is increased size. He led his team in tackles despite being suspended for the 1st several games, which is an impressive feat to say the least. He was on the hands team which lets you know what kind of athlete he is.

Stats: 121 Solo, 63 Ast, 17 TFL, 5 SK, 1 Int, 9 PD, 2 FF

Alternative pick(s): Minter, Green

Highlight(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZy_y0on4u8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu9VGiMp1WU


3 Kenjon Barner RB 5'11" 192 Oregon – We desperately need a burner at RB, Barner is one of the best at it. He is a coach’s All American selection. He has enough size to take the punishment up the middle so he is not one dimensional. He can also help in the return game.

Stats: 552 Att, 3480 Yds, 6.3 Avg, 41 TD ---- 53 Rec, 567 Yds, 10.7 Avg, 6 TD

Alternative pick(s): Franklin, but a round later

Highlight(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYI7gwHQ07g


4 Marcus Lattimore RB 6'0" 232 South Carolina – Boom or bust. Even if he starts the 1st 8 games on IR, think of how dynamic the run game could be. He was the most complete back before the injury; time will tell if he can bounce back. Given his injury history, it seems unlikely that somebody would gamble early on him.

Stats: 555 Att, 2677 Yds, 4.8 Avg, 38 TD --- 74 Rec, 767 Yds, 10.4 Avg, 3 TD

Alternative pick(s): Taylor

Highlight(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRigxZAbz1I


5 Aaron Mellette WR 6'2¾" 218 Elon – Show of hands, how many people are saying ‘who the hell is Aaron Mellette?’ He has been a top FCS level receiver for multiple years. He is the 2nd guy ever from Elon to be invited to an all-star type game. He is a great combination of size, speed and hands. He is a humble team 1st player. When Sanu went down, I thought our Offense struggled. I think MLJ has done a great job as our #2, but what we need is one more back up possession receiver. Whalen kind of fills that role now, but he is lacking size, which Mellette has.

Stats: 304 Rec, 4264 Yds, 14.0 Avg, 44 TDs

Highlight(s): (hard to come by)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDi0BKBppfU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBIK_P5c6c4


6a Travis Kelce TE 6'5" 260 Cincinnati – We need to end the Roland experiment with a real blocking TE. This is no homer pick. Kelce is a rare blend of size and speed relative to that size along with a great frame for the position.

Stats: 59 Rec, 875 Yds, 14.8 Avg, 10 TDs (most of which was from his Senior year)

Highlight(s): (hard to come by)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGyhTGql9AQ


6b Robert Alford CB 5'11" 184 Southeastern Louisiana – another FCS guy most people have not heard of. Going fishing for sleepers to help our aging DBs (I think Ghee finally makes it next year too). He is pretty fast and does some return work as well.

Stats: Hard to find, but he had 10 Ints.

Highlight(s): (hard to come by)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMFgpSM6QZk

[Bengal4ever68]

Like the idea of taking a guard high, but i think we can get Gabe Jackson with our second 2nd round pick and he will be just as good as a first round pick.

Not a fan of Vaccaro

I like the Ogletree pick, but i think his stock is going to rise to where he will be an early 2nd rounder.

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by Bengal4ever68

Like the idea of taking a guard high, but i think we can get Gabe Jackson with our second 2nd round pick and he will be just as good as a first round pick.

Not a fan of Vaccaro

I like the Ogletree pick, but i think his stock is going to rise to where he will be an early 2nd rounder.

I played with Reid in the 1st which would also be unpopular then taking Okafor at 2b, but I think I have done that one already.

[stknux]

If you want to pick an o-lineman in the 1st round, go for it. What I don't understand is why you hesitate to upgrade our RB1.
Adding speed to the backfield is great, but you pick up Marcus Lattimore in the 4th round in hopes he can start eventually.
Why not draft an immediate starter along with Barner?
You could easily make the running game a reliable weapon if you wanted:

1. Jonathan Cooper (OG)
2. Khaseem Greene/Alec Ogletree (OLB )
2. Eddie Lacy (RB )
3. Bacarri Rambo (S) [or other safety]
4. Kenjon Barner/Johnathan Franklin (RB )

I think these picks are what you're looking for (unless you really, really want Kenny Vaccaro). Your later picks are fine and I like the mock overall.

Note: If LB is truly a need, then we must take one in the first two picks.
Mosley, Barr, and Van Noy all returned to school, making this LB class rather thin.
We can't depend at all on Greene, Minter, or Ogletree being there at 2B.
We should take control and get the guy we want at 2A (I think within 5 picks of 2A are the right spots for those guys anyway).

[Ron Mexico]

I like it. You're right about not liking the first pick, I would rather them go RB early here. Giovanni Bernard wouldn't be too big of a stretch at the end of the first round....if a stretch at all. Then where you have Barner, maybe take a decent DE or OL that slips a bit which is sure to happen. Also, if the Bengals gamble on Lattimore, I think they could do it much later depending on what his recovery time looks to be. I'm assuming it's at least a year from now.

All around, I dig it though, and wouldn't be upset. I'm a big fan of the Vaccaro and Ogletree picks.

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by stknux

If you want to pick an o-lineman in the 1st round, go for it. What I don't understand is why you hesitate to upgrade our RB1.
Adding speed to the backfield is great, but you pick up Marcus Lattimore in the 4th round in hopes he can start eventually.
Why not draft an immediate starter along with Barner?
You could easily make the running game a reliable weapon if you wanted:

1. Jonathan Cooper (OG)
2. Khaseem Greene/Alec Ogletree (OLB )
2. Eddie Lacy (RB )
3. Bacarri Rambo (S) [or other safety]
4. Kenjon Barner/Johnathan Franklin (RB )

I think these picks are what you're looking for (unless you really, really want Kenny Vaccaro). Your later picks are fine and I like the mock overall.

Note: If LB is truly a need, then we must take one in the first two picks.
Mosley, Barr, and Van Noy all returned to school, making this LB class rather thin.
We can't depend at all on Greene, Minter, or Ogletree being there at 2B.
We should take control and get the guy we want at 2A (I think within 5 picks of 2A are the right spots for those guys anyway).

I like all the guys that you suggested. I would not spend a 2nd round pick on Lacy though. I think there is very little difference between Ball, Lacy and Taylor. I would take who ever is there in the third.

[Jasonew6]

Other than for depth, we do not need a guard. Both Boling and Zeitler were VERY highly rated for most of the season. Then they both hit "The Rookie Wall". That should not be an issue next year.

The rest of the draft is pretty solid, assuming Ogletree lasts as long as you have him.

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by Jasonew6

Other than for depth, we do not need a guard. Both Boling and Zeitler were VERY highly rated for most of the season. Then they both hit "The Rookie Wall". That should not be an issue next year.

The rest of the draft is pretty solid, assuming Ogletree lasts as long as you have him.

I meant for Cooper to play Center instead of OG.

[Jasonew6]

Originally Posted by Lolli

I meant for Cooper to play Center instead of OG.

I suppose I would know that had I read the entire explanation.

We don't need a center either.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by Lolli

I meant for Cooper to play Center instead of OG.

What leads you to believe that Cooper can play Center? I wouldn't think it to be wise to draft a 1st round olinemen and move them to a different position.

I like the idea of Barrett Jones more who has played 4 of the 5 oline positions.

WTS, I think that the Bengals NEED to address their biggest needs with their first 3 draft picks; RB, SS, & LB (WILL, MIKE, or SAM depending on where Burfict will play in 2013).

If they are able to do something create in the off-season, then I would be excited to add a Center (Barrett Jones), WR2, or a DE (Okafor) in the 1st round.

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by Jasonew6

I suppose I would know that had I read the entire explanation.

We don't need a center either.

I am not a Cook fan. At all.

[Jasonew6]

Originally Posted by Lolli

I am not a Cook fan. At all.

Last season Cook had crap on both sides. This year Cook missed most of the season due to injury. He played very well in 2009. I think next year, if he stays healthy, and the time he will spend next to Boling and Zeitler I think he returns to the 2009 form and we have one of the best lines in the NFL (assuming Andre is back).

And honestly, it doesn't matter what you or I think. They like Cook a lot and just gave him an extension, so he's not going anywhere.

[goalpost]

Originally Posted by mulligan

What leads you to believe that Cooper can play Center?

He's not an experienced center for sure...however, he has moved and played center before.

Cooper made 13 starts as a sophomore in 2010 (12 at left guard and one at center)

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by Lolli

All mocks have holes in them. This one does not have a DE. Sorry for the DE lovers out there; it is a really good class.

1 Jonathan Cooper OG 6'3" 295 North Carolina

2a Kenny Vaccaro S 6'0½" 218 Texas

2b Alec Ogletree ILB 6'3" 237 Georgia

3 Kenjon Barner RB 5'11" 192 Oregon

4 Marcus Lattimore RB 6'0" 232 South Carolina

5 Aaron Mellette WR 6'2¾" 218 Elon

6a Travis Kelce TE 6'5" 260 Cincinnati

6b Robert Alford CB 5'11" 184 Southeastern Louisiana

1-I'd love to upgrade the Center position as well; unfortunately, the FO has no desire to. Somebody lost a bet to Kyle Cook.

2A- Lot's of good Safties and Kenny is one of them

2B- Big Ogletree fan, would be surprised if he's here

3- Love KJB

4- Worth a 4th rounder, just for what could be.

5- These small school guys seldom work out.

6A- Doubt he lasts this long

6B- See comment on 5

Overall, could definately live with it.

[pulses]

Originally Posted by bfine32

1-I'd love to upgrade the Center position as well; unfortunately, the FO has no desire to. Somebody lost a bet to Kyle Cook.

2A- Lot's of good Safties and Kenny is one of them

2B- Big Ogletree fan, would be surprised if he's here

3- Love KJB

4- Worth a 4th rounder, just for what could be.

5- These small school guys seldom work out.

6A- Doubt he lasts this long

6B- See comment on 5

Overall, could definately live with it.

PLENTY of small school guys in the league, take a look around!

Not too bad of a draft but Alford won't be there that late, he's projected as 3rd to 4th rounder right now.

[ishouldbegm]

im not a big fan of barner but the rest is good

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by goalpost

He's not an experienced center for sure...however, he has moved and played center before.

Cooper made 13 starts as a sophomore in 2010 (12 at left guard and one at center)

He has played 1 game at Center.

Huh, I wonder why he is listed as a Guard when he has so much experience at Center?

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by bfine32

1-I'd love to upgrade the Center position as well; unfortunately, the FO has no desire to. Somebody lost a bet to Kyle Cook.

2A- Lot's of good Safties and Kenny is one of them

2B- Big Ogletree fan, would be surprised if he's here

3- Love KJB

4- Worth a 4th rounder, just for what could be.

5- These small school guys seldom work out.

6A- Doubt he lasts this long

6B- See comment on 5

Overall, could definately live with it.

True. I had higher hopes for B. Scott. I think I would call him a success, but it is borderline. Some of the OGs have worked recently. There is only so much you can do with a late rounder: Watch the video of the WR from Elon. It is funny. He has a lot of bad habits that he can get away with at his level that will not float in the NFL. He does have the right attitude and the right physical attributes though.

Decent performer with an injury
Decent performer with behavioral issues
Developmental guy
Specialist
Small school fishing

The FO eventually walked away fron Livings, I am hoping the same is true with Cook.

[wolfkaosaun]

You're one of my favorite/well respected members on this board. Especially when it comes to draft analysis.

I like Cooper, although I'm worried it may be a bit of a reach depending where the Bengals are. But I do like him.

Never been a fan of Vacarro. Not gonna lie.

Love Ogletree. Love Berner. Love Lattimore, especially with the low-risk, high-reward. Don't know much about Mellette. And I love the Kelce pick, but I don't think he last this long. Could see someone reaching for him honestly.

[Lolli]

Originally Posted by wolfkaosaun

You're one of my favorite/well respected members on this board. Especially when it comes to draft analysis.

I like Cooper, although I'm worried it may be a bit of a reach depending where the Bengals are. But I do like him.

Never been a fan of Vacarro. Not gonna lie.

Love Ogletree. Love Berner. Love Lattimore, especially with the low-risk, high-reward. Don't know much about Mellette. And I love the Kelce pick, but I don't think he last this long. Could see someone reaching for him honestly.

LOL. I put up about 500 drafts, so eventually everybody like one of them.

We will see for sure in February, but I think Kelce has a relatively rare blend of size and speed. If he puts up some decent times, 4th or 5th might be more realistic.

We need to fix the offense, and there are only a few missing pieces with RB being the most glaring. Add either a vet or a possession receiver, fix what is broken in the middle of the line (which may not happen), and we will have a top offense.

[wolfkaosaun]

Originally Posted by Lolli

LOL. I put up about 500 drafts, so eventually everybody like one of them.

We will see for sure in February, but I think Kelce has a relatively rare blend of size and speed. If he puts up some decent times, 4th or 5th might be more realistic.

We need to fix the offense, and there are only a few missing pieces with RB being the most glaring. Add either a vet or a possession receiver, fix what is broken in the middle of the line (which may not happen), and we will have a top offense.

I would absolutely LOVE if the Bengals signed Greg Jennings. I think he would be a great asset to this team, and adds playoff experience.

But RB is obviously the biggest missing piece. My 2 favorite prospects are Berner and Bernard. And I don't like Cook. Which is why I like Cooper. Robinson did well, but I still think it's good to have depth and versatility.

[Vikairius]

If we get Jennings it will be awesome.

I like Jones over Cooper if we can land him.

I like going for lattimore still...he might be there in the 5th which is where I would get him.

Ogletree is m favorite olb in the draft...hope we land him.

[RIPChrisHenry]

dude are u kidding...i dig the draft but take barner in the 4th and take lacy in the third...forget aboiut lattimore...did u see his knee injury...there are healthy running backs available.

[TGISunday]

Is Kelce an effective blocker?

I love the picks. With all these backs out there, many will fall much later than expected.

I'd be ****** if we spent a 4th on Lattimore, and I rather like the kid.

[BengalDawg]

I agree that upgrading the Oline could and would put this team over the top. Instead of moving Cooper to Guard I'd move Boiling over (he played guard and center in college). All of this complemented with a COP back or even a bruiser like Lacy could ramp up the offense.

1. Really like this call and could represent the BPA
2a. Don't love Vaccaro here because I think there are guys without a significant drop off available later in this round with 2b. I'd move Ogletree here unless he blows up the combine (very possible)
2b. If you take a safety and guard with 1 and 2a be prepared to look at Kasheem Greene or Kevin Reddick out of UNC because its not likely that Ogletree lasts past our first pick. Especially if we beat Houston and they look for a 3-4 ILB to play next to Cushing
3. Love the Barner pick would be an awesome COP
4. Lattimore would be a bold pick but Im not upset at all if we do this and we have the potential of an AP like come back. Lattimore has torched SEC defenses the last two years
5. I might be one of the only people on this board who has seen Aaron Mellette play. And if he is available in 5 I say we sprint to the podium to submit this pick. Mellette next to Green, Jones, and Sanu would be hard to cover


I don't know enough about the last two to comment, but at that point I'm all for BPA