Bengals Select Cornerback Deonte Banks, Offensive Tackle Matthew Bergeron In Latest ESPN Mock Draft

Cincinnati has some needs to fill at both spots.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Updated:
Apr 4, 2023 12:24 PM EDT
Original:
Apr 4, 2023

In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Todd McShay released another mock draft this week and has the Bengals taking a secondary piece and an offensive lineman.

We start with hyper-athletic Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks.

"The top two tight ends are off the board, which means we're looking at the other side of the ball for the Bengals," McShay wrote. "The secondary already lost Jessie Bates III, and Eli Apple is still unsigned. Chidobe Awuzie has only one year left on his deal. So padding the defense with an explosive and physical press corner would be a win for Cincinnati this late in Round 1. Banks only had one interception last season, but he broke up 10 passes and showed off his physical traits at the combine by finishing in the top three at the position in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump."

Banks is one of the most athletic cornerbacks to ever enter the NFL Draft.

He is ranked 24th on the consensus big board and fourth among cornerbacks.

In the second round, McShay had the Bengals taking Syracuse offensive tackle Mattew Bergeron at Pick 60.

"The Bengals made a big splash in signing Orlando Brown Jr.," McShay wrote. "But with Jonah Williams requesting a trade and La'el Collins coming off a left knee injury, getting more protection for Joe Burrow on Day 2 makes quite a bit of sense. Bergeron is quick and smooth getting set but still has some inconsistent footwork."

Bergeron is ranked 64th on the consensus big board and seventh among offensive tackles.

Check out how the picks compare to our first Mock Draft released by James Rapien this week.

Plus, see where Bergeron sits in Parker Blake's offensive tackle rankings.

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