Bengals 7 Round Mock Draft

The staff of NFLDraft101.com conducted their 2nd annual 7 round mock draft this weekend and the results for the Bengals were encouraging although the 6th position in round one proved to be as difficult decision as tackles Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe were both off the board. After debating Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Everette Brown, Michael Oher and Andre Smith, the staff settled on the year's biggest boom-bust candidate in OT Andre Smith based on need and position scarcity. Back in December selecting Andre the Giant would be hailed as a tremendous selection. After blowing off the combine and a so-so workout, Andre's dominance in the SEC has been forgotten behind a myriad of work ethic, desire and character questions. My take is he will likely fair well as a right tackle but could struggle on the left side which is pretty much the same thing they are saying about Oher. Fortunately for Cincinnati, Anthony Collins has the ability to be a solid (but not Pro Bowl) left tackle. Nonetheless a selection of Andre Smith will be received with mixed reaction. Here is the complete Bengals 7 round draft:1. OT Andre Smith, Alabama - A need pick, has the talent but does he have the desire? A road grading run blocker whose future is brightest at right tackle.2. C Alex Mack, California - Rated by several experts as the top center in the draft, the Bengals fill their biggest need with a smart technician who should be a major upgrade from Eric Ghiaciuc. DE Michael Johnson got a cursory mention but passing on Mack was never seriously considered.3a. MLB Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina - Tremendous athletic talent with size and speed. Brinkley is a good run stuffer who the team can groom in the middle or on the strong side. The biggest question about Brinkley is not his ability but the condition of his knee. RBs Andre Brown and Javon Ringer were discussed.3b. DE David Veikune, Hawaii - A high motor defensive end who can help improve the team's mediocre pass rush. RB Rashad Jennings was a consideration.4. RB Kory Sheets, Purdue - Sheets had a strong week at the Senior Bowl playing with the Bengal coaches and provides a complementary style to Cedric Benson. Good receiver with the ability to take one the distance. No other positions were seriously discussed.5. TE Kory Sperry, Colorado State - A sleeper tight end with good size, speed and receiving skills. The other top consideration was Chase Coffman whose injuries and lack of foot speed caused him to be overlooked in favor of the more athletic Sperry.6a. CB Bruce Johnson, Miami (FL) - A undersized corner with good man cover skills.6b. FB Fui Vakapuna, BYU - Fills a need for a fullback.7a. DE/OLB Nick Reed, Oregon - Another high motor guy who would get a look as a situational pass rusher and strong-side linebacker.7b. P Thomas Morstead, SMU - Officially would put the disappointing Kyle Larson on notice. 7c. WR Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan - A big, physical receiver who is worth taking a late round flyer on.Be sure to visit NFLDraft101.com for live coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft April 25-26.