COB Posted January 19 Report Posted January 19 On 1/15/2026 at 1:00 PM, HoosierCat said: From the article. This should send shivers down the spine of every bengals fan: “Perkins earned early attention with the Tigers his first two seasons but appeared less impactful his final two. He was moved around on LSU's defense -- as both a rush end and an off-the-ball linebacker -- and wasn't always used the way NFL teams might deploy him. Galko believes Perkins can distinguish himself at the Shrine Bowl.” Quote
HoosierCat Posted January 21 Author Report Posted January 21 Well folks, it's official: draft season has begun. Mel Kiper's first mock is out. And The Hair thinks we will get the player we are all hoping for. Quote 10. Cincinnati Bengals Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State According to ESPN Research, Jamal Adams is the only safety to get picked in the top 10 in the common draft era. Well, get ready for that to change. Downs reads plays so well and has the speed and wrap-up technique to wrangle and take down ball carriers. And don't sleep on his ball skills: Downs had two interceptions in each of his three college seasons. He's exactly the type of player the Bengals need on the back end. Cincinnati allowed the NFL's most yards per play in two of the past three campaigns, including 6.2 yards in 2025. This would be just the second time in the common draft era that three Ohio State players went in the top 10, per ESPN Research. (The other class was 2016.) And spoiler alert: Two more Buckeyes are in this mock draft. OSU could own Round 1. From Mel's lips to Mike's ears. Mel has Cleveland taking an OT (Fano) at 6, then the Ravens, Steelers and Browns (who have Jacksonville's pick at 24) all going WR with Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston and Zachariah Branch, respectively. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted January 21 Report Posted January 21 I saw Mel's mock draft and yes, Downs is easily my target for the Bengals. It's not that I don't like other players there, but I think Downs would make the most impact. If Downs is gone by #10, I would really like to see a trade down and pick up an extra pick along the way. I think there is going to be starter quality players at positions of need in the 3rd round. Yes please. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted January 27 Author Report Posted January 27 Shrine Bowl tonight. Standouts from practices: Quote Skyler Bell, WR, UConn One of four NCAA receivers to go over 100 catches last season, Bell (102) was outstanding during Friday’s practice, both in team drills and one-on-ones. An excellent route runner who uses his whole body to create separation, Bell showed great suddenness in and out of his breaks as a smooth and reliable target. Bell (6 feet, 212 pounds) was also one of the fastest wide receivers on the field, hitting 20.1 miles per hour on the GPS. It was a great performance that could push him toward the top of Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) come the draft, and possibly into Day 2 (Rounds 2-3). Eli Heidenreich, WR/RB, Navy The fastest on-field running back at the Shrine Bowl and Navy’s all-time leading receiver, Heidenreich hit 20.01 MPH on the GPS and showed off his unique skill set throughout the event. An outstanding receiver with elite ball skills, Heidenreich probably projects as more of a third-down weapon in the NFL, but his versatility and ability to run routes from anywhere will make him intriguing to teams on Day 3. He can win underneath or over the top, and he gets his hands on just about every throw near his orbit. Darrell Jackson, IDL, Florida State The 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jackson was one of the biggest athletes in Frisco this year. He measured in with 35-inch arms and an 86-inch wingspan to go along with 11-inch hands. A massive man with quick feet and active hands, Jackson was a consistent problem for interior linemen during one-on-ones. Jackson was not as productive this season as he was in 2024, when he posted 30 pressures and five sacks. His size also makes it tough for him to maintain leverage. Still, he’s a very interesting interior prospect who could play in any scheme. Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF The best athlete among the edge prospects at Shrine this year, Lawrence (6-4, 247) led all defensive linemen with a GPS speed of 19.32 MPH. Lawrence also measured in with 33 4/8-inch arms and had little trouble during practice pass-rush drills. Despite his athleticism, Lawrence is a bit light, which could impact his role as a full-package player in the NFL. However, his twitch and burst off the ball plus a solid bag of rush moves will give him a chance to be an NFL rush specialist. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa One of the smallest players on the field, the 5-8, 195-pound Wetjen was a near-impossible cover during one-on-ones and the team periods. Wetjen’s performance reminded me of what we saw from Efton Chism here last winter. An undersized receiver from Eastern Washington, Chism went undrafted but then caught on with the Patriots. Wetjen, who also provides special-teams value all over the place, could have a similar path. Don’t be surprised to hear about him giving defensive backs fits in a training camp come August. Gary Smith, IDL, UCLA Stout and powerful, Smith (6-1, 328) was a consistent problem for interior linemen, notably during run drills. He doesn’t have great length, which impacts how effective he can be as a pass rusher, but his burst and low center of gravity make him very difficult to move in the run game. The Shrine Bowl put together a very good defensive line group this year — Smith, Jackson, NC State’s Brandon Cleveland and Texas A&M’s Albert Regis all had nice weeks. Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame Texas tight end Jack Endries may wind up as the highest-drafted Shrine Bowl tight end, but Raridon really helped himself in front of scouts. A big target at 6-5, 244 with 10 5/8-inch hands, Raridon consistently worked his way open over the middle during team periods and showed good hand strength at the catch point. Raridon topped out at 19.2 miles per hour on the GPS, too, making him one of several fast-moving tight ends in Frisco. LSU’s Bauer Sharp (21.19) was actually the fastest player on the field, regardless of position. Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State At 6-8, 310 pounds with 33 3/8-inch arms, Rucci was one of the biggest tackles at the Shrine Bowl this year and his work during pass-rush one-on-ones stood out. A former five-star prospect who’s a very nimble athlete for his size, Rucci plays with good burst, balance and recovery as a protector. His work in the run game can be a little light, but he definitely held his own on the edge in protection. It was a similar story for Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman, who registered as the most explosive offensive lineman at the Shrine Bowl. Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU Perkins is one of the most remarkable draft prospects in the country. He was a complete terror off the edge as a true freshman at 6-1, 222 before spending his last three seasons transitioning to stack linebacker. Perkins did some pass-rush work with the edges in Frisco, but he mostly worked in the stack. He showed off his elite burst and speed in coverage over and over, undercutting routes and getting his hands on throws most linebackers wouldn’t have gotten to. He’s obviously small, but he’s very intriguing. It was also a good week for Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York, as well as for Louisian’s Jaden Dugger (6-4, 240). Mark Gronowski, QB, Iowa Clemson’s Cade Klubnik likely will be the highest-drafted Shrine Bowl quarterback, but this was a strong event for Gronowski, who played hurt during a very up-and-down season. Gronowski did look healthy — and played well — in Iowa’s bowl win over Vanderbilt to close the season, and he was able to carry that momentum over into Shrine week. He is extremely interesting, at 6-2, 235 with great athleticism and an ability to do damage as a scrambler. Gronowsk’s arm, though, was the main event in Texas, as he was comfortable and consistent delivering downfield shots in team periods. Gronowski is a very good athlete and an intriguing prospect, to be sure. Other standouts: Brian Parker II, IOL, Duke; Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky; Chase Roberts, WR, BYU; DJ Campbell, IOL, Texas; Brent Austin, CB, Cal Quote
ArmyBengal Posted January 27 Report Posted January 27 Seems like Harold Perkins has been in college for like 10 years. He is intriguing and don't think size concerns the Bengals. Perkins is 6'1 Knight is 6'2 and Carter is 6'0. Seeing as how I don't think much of our depth, a linebacker wouldn't bother me. I could just as easily see them go LB in the first few rounds. Like I said, give me all of the first 4 picks for the defense. 1 Quote
TJJackson Posted January 27 Report Posted January 27 One of the first 4 needs to be an OLT The others, yeah, defense.....but they have to be players who know about this mysterious technique called "tackling". Maybe they can teach it to the rest of the D unit 1 Quote
ArmyBengal Posted January 27 Report Posted January 27 Just now, TJJackson said: One of the first 4 needs to be an OLT I don't necessarily disagree and think I have mentioned even a first rounder wouldn't surprise me should the board fall that way, but the defense is so devoid of talent they need to do something. Clearly my current thoughts are pre-free agency so they will likely change. Quote
HoosierCat Posted January 27 Author Report Posted January 27 Right now I’m leaning toward OT or DB at 10. Don’t trust any of the DL or edge guys likely to be there. LB is ok (Styles probably) but would rather address that in FA if possible. Already too much youth at that spot. Downs still on top of my wish list, after that CB or OT. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted January 28 Author Report Posted January 28 Shrine Bowl standouts from Reuter: Quote Shad Banks, LB, UTSA Banks showed scouts he can excel on special teams, making stops on the first two kickoffs. He was all over the field on defense, as well, swallowing running backs on multiple occasions. He avoided a block to make a stop at the line in the first half and twice dipped under oncoming linemen to fill the hole later in the game. Banks also made plays against the pass, knocking down a throw in the end zone late in the first half and upending a receiver in zone coverage over the middle. Dean Connors, RB, Houston Connors showed quickness and power during the first half. He spun off contact in the backfield for an excellent run, avoided a tackler in the hole on another inside run and displayed a nice burst up the gut on a six-yard gain. The Rice transfer avoided open-field tackles on two receptions, as well, and scored the team's first touchdown with a great cutback. Garrett DiGiorgio, OT, UCLA DiGiorgio played well at right tackle for the West squad, stopping edge rushers in their tracks as a pass protector. His average length (32 3/4-inch arms) will likely push him inside in the NFL, so teams must have been thrilled to see his strength as a run blocker during the contest. The big man's movement skills reaching defenders at the second level and pulling across the formation should endear him to offensive line coaches throughout the league. Mark Gronowski, QB, Iowa The game's best quarterback looked the part on Tuesday night, earned Offensive MVP honors. He showed strength in the pocket early on, shaking off defenders to run for a first down. The former Iowa and South Dakota State quarterback threw the ball well in a quarter-plus of action, connecting while moving to his left and right as well as timing up a deep dig route. He even threw the key block on his team's first touchdown, sealing the edge for Dean Connors. Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin Reiger beat West team tackles regularly on his way to winning the game's Defensive MVP award. He had three sacks on the night, including a strip-sack off the edge in the third quarter. He was unblocked on his third sack but the closing speed was evident. Quarterbacks felt his presence even if he wasn't directly in their face. Reiger consistently took on blockers in the run game, too, doing his job so others could clean up the play. Eric Rivers, WR/KR, Georgia Tech Rivers wasn't the biggest receiver on the Shrine Bowl field, but he was the most reliable. Quarterbacks found him for first downs over the middle and on the sideline. His strong hands and quickness at the top of the route created separation. He turned quickly after the catch to get upfield on the game-winning drive. Rivers also showed a little burst as a kick returner, showing the potential to handle those duties at the next level. Trey Smack, K, Florida Kickers don't often get noticed during all-star games, but Smack deserves attention. He connected on a 57-yard field goal with great rotation and elevation at the end of the first half. Smack also squared up against nifty returner Michael Wortham on a second-half kickoff, bringing him down in the open field. Wesley Williams, Edge, Duke Known as a pass rusher, Williams proved he can also play the run well during the Shrine Bowl. He beat his man with quickness to stop one early play behind the line. He also exploded into the backfield on a second-quarter run. Williams thwarted a screen pass on the final play of the first quarter with his hustle to the quarterback. He missed a sack early but earned multiple pressures from his familiar edge position and inside on a third-and-long. Finally, he was able to get home with a strip-sack in the end zone that former Duke teammate Aaron Hall fell on for a score. Quote
HoosierCat Posted February 2 Author Report Posted February 2 Matt Miller has the Bengals going with Delane in the first and then nabbing Woods in the second. I would be happy with that. https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47756543/2026-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-64-picks-matt-miller-senior-bowl Quote
ArmyBengal Posted February 8 Report Posted February 8 Delane has always been one of those guys on my list of players I would be good seeing the Bengals draft. Of the players I could see being there at 10, he’s probably my #2 behind Caleb. Woods? Yeah if he fell to the 2nd. There isn’t much about what I’ve watched when Clemson plays to suggest he’s a top 10 pick despite what others say. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted February 11 Author Report Posted February 11 Dehner plinks around with the first four rounds. 1st: Quote First round (No. 10): Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami Thank the body-type police for this gift. Brugler has Bain listed as the No. 9 prospect, which makes him available to Cincinnati in this exercise. Bain doesn’t have the jaw-dropping get-off that’s the most accurate predictor of NFL pressure. He doesn’t have the length boasted by the game’s best edges. If those dings pushed him down from the top five to the Bengals’ lap, there would be no hesitation in their draft room, just an avalanche of man hugs. Bain wrecks games. He did so repeatedly on the biggest stages college football had to offer. He’s exactly what the Bengals need if they were so lucky for him to still be around. Yeah, that would be the ideal scenario. Even Dehner thinks its unlikely but believes it could happen as the great draft hype machine churns other players to the top. His runners-up are: Quote • Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami. Immediate, needed offensive line depth plus starting tackle of the future. • Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama. Intrigued by his potential rise (see: Wright, Darnell) as his traits get teams buzzing. Plus, the Bengals could give him time to develop behind Orlando Brown Jr. • Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn. Bengals fans know the drill. Crazy upside, rare traits, limited production. • Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee. Could be a steal at a premium position after missing 2025 with a torn ACL. True best-player-available pick. I'm a no on Faulk, we got that guy already, his name is Murphy. Proctor would be a Levi Jones-style reach imo but if it worked out, fine. Thumbs up to either Mauigoa or McCoy (pending medicals, of course). His next three are: Quote Second round (No. 41): Christen Miller, DT, Georgia Third round (No. 72): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern Fourth round (No. 110): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke Bain and those three would get an A+ insta-grade from me. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 Yeah, I don't think Bain will be there, but as much as another 1st round DE doesn't excite me, Bain's solid. A first round OT? I wouldn't complain, but not my ideal. There are too many needs on defense. It would depend on who else was still on the board. Like I said, wouldn't complain. None of the other 1st round names given do much for me and I would rather stay away from McCoy and his injury concerns. I've seen people say, well Ja'Marr sat out an entire year and look at him. Ok, well that's not a good comparison at all. McCoy blew out his fucking knee. Ja'Marr just decided to sit out the season. He might be ok, but I'd rather not take the risk in the first round. Christian Miller? He strikes me as what we already have on the roster with Jenkins and McKinnley. Maybe a little bigger, but pretty much the same guy. As always, I could be wrong and he turns into a monster. Caleb Tiernan? Exactly the kind of guy I would like to see them target and doesn't cost a round 1 or 2 pick. Chandler Rivers is like an inch taller than me. That's an easy NO for a CB spot in the NFL. There are other players at those spots that intrigue me more, but I'm just now really looking at it more. The end of the season gives me a heck of a lot more intrigue in the draft and who might be there. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 Just did a quick mock of my own to see what's what and this is how it worked out. 1st- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (My clear #2 if Downs is gone) 2nd- Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (Older rookie at 24, but has the production you covet) 3rd- Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (Mentioned him earlier. Ideal for me here) 4th- Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF (Really solid addition to the DE rotation in the 4th round) 5th- Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State (While not ideal, was simply the BPA and could spell Brown) I didn't bother with the 6th and 7th rounds at this point. Hated not seeing a safety that wouldn't have been a fairly large reach when I was on the clock. Outside of that, I would have little concerns with the above at this point. As always, subject to change. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted February 12 Author Report Posted February 12 McShay goes with Delane as well in his new mock. 10. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU Delane had a monster season on an otherwise disappointing LSU team. His versatility as a man/zone cornerback and his intelligent and instinctive play really jump out on tape. The Bengals need help on all three levels of their defense, and they also need players who are smart and NFL-ready on day one. Delane is a plug-and-play starter with the savvy to have early NFL success at cornerback. He has Woods and Faulk still on the board but not going in the top 20. He does like edge Akheem Mesidor, giving him to Dallas at 12z Quote
ArmyBengal Posted February 12 Report Posted February 12 Yeah, I think people are just now starting to warm to the idea of Delane and him being worthy of a top 10 pick. Up to this point, most had him rated much lower and I never really understood why. I've watched him play and he would compliment the secondary VERY well in my opinion. While Downs is still my #1 hope, there are other solid safety prospects to be had in the 2nd round. Not a fan of either Woods or Faulk at #10. Honestly, both would piss me off when considering the talent that should be there when the Bengals go on the clock. Mesidor's stock has been rising and someone I had on the list as loving to see as a 2nd rounder. It's not looking that way anymore. Along with the safeties, there are a bunch of CB's I like in the 2nd round should they be there as well. I DO NOT think there will be a lack of talent and at positions of need for the Bengals in the 1st and 2nd. I would have rather had them lose more games, but they should be just fine to bring on solid players. Get after it in free agency Bengals. For the love of God, get after it. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted Monday at 07:59 PM Author Report Posted Monday at 07:59 PM Joe added Delane to his ongoing series of prospects at 10. He likes him and thinks he would be worthy of the pick, but is unenthused at the possibility, which he chalks up to just being not really excited at the prospect of taking a corner. I get it, it's a "drafting to strength" argument (at least a far as you can call any position group on this D a strength) and people are really jonesing for a pass rusher or stud interior DL guy. But the draft may not fall in a way that that makes sense. I get the feeling his breakdowns of potential OTs at 10 is going to be similar. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted Tuesday at 12:10 AM Report Posted Tuesday at 12:10 AM That's the old, "Who's on the board when you go on the clock". If a player(s) you wanted are gone, what do you do? Do you take the best player available or reach for need? My thing is, there is enough need across the entire defense it doesn't matter. CB may be the position group on defense in the best shape, but that's not a ringing endorsement for that group either. DJ Turner and Dax Hill seem solid, but there's not much in the cupboard after that and CTB should be shown the door. Too suggest CB isn't a need is just not being aware of what's going on with the team and/or roster. Again, there isn't a defensive position the Bengals couldn't justify spending a first round pick on. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted Tuesday at 02:17 PM Author Report Posted Tuesday at 02:17 PM Yeah, I think we are all in agreement that best defensive player available is the way to go. I just hope "all" includes the Bengals' draft room. 1 Quote
HoosierCat Posted Wednesday at 02:41 PM Author Report Posted Wednesday at 02:41 PM Pre-combine mock from USA Today. Another nod for Delane with Downs, Bain and Bailey all gone before 10. In this scenario I would be happy with Delane, McCoy (as long as he's healthy) or Mauigoa. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted Wednesday at 06:41 PM Report Posted Wednesday at 06:41 PM As always when mocks start appearing, I'm left to wonder what the coaches real take on players is. Meaning, do the coaches think that Dax Hill and DJ Turner are your starting outside corners? I'm guessing they do and don't have much concern with that. Based on the conversation with the extension of Jalen Davis yesterday, it sounds like the coaches view him like Mike Hilton where he will be the starting nickel back. However, I would guess (hope) they don't bring back CTB as a free agent, which will leave things a little bare. How bare and when to fill that opening is the question. There are CB's which can probably be had into the 3rd round and give you back up quality from day one with the thought of seeing them continue to develop. There are probably a handful of guys that I could see filling that role through the first three rounds. With that being the case, maybe they don't go CB in the first. I'm left thinking an OT might be the better way to go when considering the OT draft class. That's thinking that Downs and Bain are gone. There really isn't a DT I like at #10 as I think Woods is being overhyped. After Bain and Bailey at DE, I don't think there's another worth the #10 pick. While another linebacker in the draft won't bother me, I think I'd rather see a veteran brought in. That is unless the unbelievable happens and Reese drops to #10. Long story short, when looking at the players thought to be there, the depth of certain positions, along with how the coaches view the current players on the roster, OT is making more and more sense to me. It's not even my favorite direction to travel, but it's what I'm thinking in February. Lomu would be my guy because he's a pure LT who could handle the swing tackle role initially. That and Orlando Brown Jr. is an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Lomu could learn and fill in where needed in 2026, taking over LT in 2027. Again, would not be upset with Delane. He's the top rated CB in the draft, so there's worse things. Quote
ArmyBengal Posted Wednesday at 06:56 PM Report Posted Wednesday at 06:56 PM Did a quick 4 round mock with Lomu and here's what I came up with: 1st- Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 2nd- A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU 3rd- Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M 4th- Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati In all seriousness, I love the above. Corleone might be the most underrated DT in the draft. 1 Quote
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