Bengals Pick Best Player Available in FanNation NFL Mock Draft

Cincinnati has the 31st overall selection on Thursday night.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. What will they do if guys like Tyler Linderbaum, Kaiir Elam and Andrew Booth Jr. are off the board in round one when they're on the clock? 

Well if they can't trade down, then they have to take the best player available. Check out the mock draft below. 

FanNation Mock Draft Picks 1-10

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1. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan 

The Jaguars are likely down to either Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker at No. 1 overall, but the edge goes to Hutchinson thanks to his ability to make an instant impact. The Jaguars have won four games in the last two seasons and can't afford to miss on this pick, taking the safe Hutchinson and securing a pass-rusher across from Josh Allen for the future. 

2. Detroit Lions:  Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon 

With Hutchinson off of the board, the Detroit Lions select the next best pass-rusher in the draft. Detroit's defensive line has struggled for several years to effectively rush the quarterback. Thibodeaux will be the "game-changer" general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have been searching for on defense.

3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State 

The Texans are going to run it back with Davis Mills for a second season. Although they added A.J. Cann in free agency, they need more, especially in terms of fixing the 32nd-ranked rushing attack. Ekwonu comes with expirence at guard and tackle, plus is known for skills in run blocking, and high character. He's a Day 1 starter at either left guard or right tackle.

4. New York Jets:  Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Even after missing out on Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson, Robert Saleh and the Jets are still able to add a premier EDGE rusher at No. 4. Walker is poised to excel on New York's defensive line alongside Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and more. The Jets will be tempted to take Ahmad Gardner here, but general manager Joe Douglas and his staff have a reputation for building through the trenches.

5. New York Giants:  Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Giants need to fix their offensive line once and for all. Neal not only gives them an option this year at OT, he also gives them position flexibility for the future.

6. Carolina Panthers:  Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The Panthers could go with Charles Cross here and solve their issue at left tackle, but I don't see it happening. If Neal or Ekwonu were on the board, that's a different story. Panthers GM Scott Fitterer has said he's going to keep swinging on quarterbacks until they find their guy. Willis isn't the most pro-ready by any means, but he certainly has the most potential. It's a bit of a gamble that Fitterer won't mind taking.

7. New York Giants (from Bears): Derek Stingley, Jr, CB, LSU 

Sauce Gardner was tempting here, but Stingley, in having answered some medical questions, has been the more productive cornerback and is a guy who should be able to step in should the Giants part with James Bradberry via trade.

8. Atlanta Falcons:  Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State 

By now, it's no secret that the Falcons need a No. 1 receiver. The current top option is Olamide Zaccheaus, who finished with only 31 catches as the team's No. 3 playmaker. Wilson has the highest upside of any receiver in the class and is a plug-and-play replacement for Calvin Rildey on the perimeter.

9. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos):  Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati 

Seattle has never drafted a cornerback earlier than the third round in the Pete Carroll era, but Gardner has too much talent and upside to pass up in the top-10. Built with a long, lean 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, he looks like the prototypical corner the franchise prioritizes, he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine, and he didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage in college. Basically, he's Richard Sherman with wheels and playing in a scheme that should cater best to his strengths, he has a chance to develop into an All-Pro corner in quick fashion in the Pacific Northwest.

10. New York Jets (from Seahawks): Drake London, WR, USC

After addressing the defensive line with the No. 4 pick, it's time to give QB Zach Wilson another weapon on offense. New York may try to trade back here, or use this pick to go after a proven commodity at the wide receiver position, but with Garrett Wilson off the board, London is the pick for Gang Green.

Picks 11-19

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11. Washington Commanders:  Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame 

Adding Wilson to help Carson Wentz in his career resurrection bid would've been nice, but Hamilton is no consolation prize and the top safety in this year's class. With yet another first round pick on defense, coordinator Jack Del Rio will be under more pressure to get his group to elevate their play, and has plenty of scheme versatile players to do it with.

12. Minnesota Vikings:  Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama 

With the top defensive backs off the board, the Vikings take the most electrifying receiver in the draft. Adam Thielen is getting up there in age, new head coach Kevin O'Connell wants to spread things out, and the Vikings don't have a ton of depth at receiver. Williams is coming off an ACL injury, but his speed paired with Justin Jefferson would be scary for opposing defenses.

13. Houston Texans (from Browns): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State 

Houston likely is willing to listen to offers for this pick, but in this scenario, the franchise stays put. The Texans need speed and stability opposite Brandin Cooks. Olave is the top route-runner in the class and uses his 4.3 speed to create separation either on the boundary or in the slot. He'll become another weapon for Davis Mills in year two. 

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Ravens have holes to fill on the defensive line, and they could have an opportunity to find the perfect fit for their team with Davis. He is physically imposing at 6-6, 341 pounds. Davis is stout against the run, which is a priority. He's frequently double-teamed so he didn't have gaudy stats, but this opened opportunities for teammates to make plays.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dolphins): Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State 

The Eagles had just 29 sacks last year and, while they added pass rush specialist Haason Reddick in free agency, they could always use more. They add Johnson who has been rising up draft boards. 

16. New Orleans Saints (from Colts via Eagles):  Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Dotson is speedy will give Jameis Winston the vertical threat he needs from his receiving corps. He may be available at mid-season, which is fine for New Orleans since Michael Thomas is returning.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Chargers have flexiblity with their first-round pick after everything they did in free agency. They can go a couple of different ways here, but grabbing a right tackle to further protect quarterback Justin Herbert looks like the most fitting selection. Penning gives the Chargers another bookend tackle to pair opposite of last year's rookie Rashawn Slater. The Chargers could also be a canidate to trade-down in the draft if a team looking to move into the midddle part of round one to grab a quarterback engages in trade talks.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints):  Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas 

For third year in a row, Eagles go with a wide receiver in the first round in their quest to build a dynamic offense around Jalen Hurts.

19) New Orleans Saints (from Eagles):  Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

New Orleans must find a long-term solution at left tackle since Terron Armstead signed a massive deal with the Dolphins in free agency. Cross has great feet, strong, and long arms. He will be a great fit for Pete Carmichael's offense.

Picks 20-30

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20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati 

The Steelers haven't hid their desire for a quarterback in the first round, and if any of the top three are available they're going to take one. Ridder has the intangibles Pittsburgh loves and enough upside to feel confident in the pick at 20. Mike Tomlin wants a quarterback with leadership and athleticism. Ridder has both.

21. New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah 

With the need to add speed and athleticism to their linebacking corps, Lloyd is an ideal for for the Patriots.New England would use him primarily as an off-ball inside linebacker. However, Lloyd can also be used on the outside, as well as in a stand-up role against the run. He has even showcased his speed and strength while rushing the passer.

22. Green Bay Packers (from Raiders): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue 

Green Bay has a huge need at receiver, in case you hadn't heard, after trading Davante Adams. However, with the Big 6 off the board, we tackle another need and grab Karlaftis, one of the Big Ten's numerous standouts on the edge. A world-class water polo player as a kid in Athens, he'll add critical depth alongside at Rashan Gary and Preston Smith at outside linebacker.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington 

With six receivers and the top edge rushers off the board, the Cardinals go back to Washington (see safety Budda Baker, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.) to replenish their corner depth. However, there will be a temptation to select a top interior offensive lineman.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College 

The Cowboys have to stabilize their offensive line and give Dak Prescott protection up the middle. With the departure of Conner Williams, addressing the interior struggles should be the top priority. Johnson is a natural pass-protector with a stout lower body to win most reps at the point of attack. He very well could be an upgrade over Williams by the season's end.

25. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida 

The Bills fill an immediate need here without having to reach. Elam is tall and plays even bigger, with a 6-4 wingspan. He's a willing tackler who sometimes overruns plays. That flaw can be coached. His 4.39-second time in the 40 cannot.

26. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa 

He slides into the starting lineup at left guard this year and—literally—gets to learn at Ben Jones' side. In 2023 or 2024, he replaces Jones at center and settles in for a long run at that spot.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia 

Although a safety prospect such as Daxton Hill or Lewis Cine is appealing in this spot, getting arguably the best defensive tackle in the draft at No. 27, who also fills a need, is just too perfect of a scenario for Jason Licht to pass on.

28. Green Bay Packers: George Pickens, WR, Georgia 

The run of first-round receivers leaves George Pickens as the last man standing. The Packers might rejoice to get the 6-foot-3, field-stretching receiver who has been under the radar a bit due to the torn ACL that kept him out of most of last season.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers via Dolphins): David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan 

If the Chiefs stand pat with the No. 29 and No. 30 overall picks, they're going to select prospects with pros and cons. By selecting David Ojabo, the Chiefs would land an outrageously talented player who checks more of Steve Spagnuolo's preferred criteria than other pass-rushers available at the end of the first round. Of course, coming off a Pro Day Achilles injury, Ojabo has a massive hurdle to clear as he begins his NFL career, but that risk is the reason he's available at No. 29 in the first place.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson 

In a first round where six wide receivers were drafted with the first 18 picks and George Pickens was taken 28th, Booth is the most exciting player to slide to 30 as a day-one solution to one of the Chiefs' biggest problems. In this world, the Chiefs could use their remaining ammunition to move up in the second round to take their choice of the remaining class of receivers after narrowly missing out on Pickens

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

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With guys like Linderbaum, Elam, Karlaftis and Booth off the board, the Bengals pick Daxton Hill over Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon. Hill would likely be the top player on their board in this scenario. He's a rangy playmaker that can contribute as their third safety and backup nickel cornerback as a rookie. With Jessie Bates' future uncertain and Vonn Bell entering the final year of his contract, Cincinnati adds a playmaker that can instantly contribute on defense in 2022. 

The Bengals are hoping to land a cornerback here, but they'll take the best player available if they can't trade back in this scenario. 

32. Detroit Lions (from Rams): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia 

Dean would be a solid addition to the Lions' defense. His good lateral speed, combined with his quick burst, strength and coverage skills make him the ideal choice at No. 32. Dean would be a welcome addition to a linebackers room that is in need of high-end talent. Dean started 15 games in 2021 for Georgia and recorded 72 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also secured 31 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups and two interceptions.

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