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The Cincinnati Bengals don't typically like to lock into need and only need in the NFL draft, as best-player-available (BPA) tends to be a proven way to nail picks and classes.
Given the team's start to free agency though, it is worth wondering if the Bengals won't have to go with straight-up need to patch a hole on the roster like offensive guard.
A new mock draft from Curt Popejoy of the Draft Wire, though, still steers the Bengals into BPA at No. 17 with Georgia safety Malaki Starks: "The Bengals must focus on the secondary early in the draft and Starks is an elite playmaker."
Safety has been a problem for the Bengals since Jessie Bates slipped away. Geno Stone looked like a cut candidate this offseason but so far remains on the roster. Most indications are that the Bengals will run it back with him while giving Jordan Battle more playing time in 2025.
Starks would make for an interesting pick. He's a rangy player with three years of starting experience and some nice versatility. Fans would understandably wonder if picking him means another Dax Hill situation where he doesn't get enough playing time as a rookie, though.
Depending on how the Bengals attack Wave 2 and beyond of free agency, this could easily be one of the scenarios that unfolds.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals go BPA in post-free agency mock draft
Continue reading...
Given the team's start to free agency though, it is worth wondering if the Bengals won't have to go with straight-up need to patch a hole on the roster like offensive guard.
A new mock draft from Curt Popejoy of the Draft Wire, though, still steers the Bengals into BPA at No. 17 with Georgia safety Malaki Starks: "The Bengals must focus on the secondary early in the draft and Starks is an elite playmaker."
Safety has been a problem for the Bengals since Jessie Bates slipped away. Geno Stone looked like a cut candidate this offseason but so far remains on the roster. Most indications are that the Bengals will run it back with him while giving Jordan Battle more playing time in 2025.
Starks would make for an interesting pick. He's a rangy player with three years of starting experience and some nice versatility. Fans would understandably wonder if picking him means another Dax Hill situation where he doesn't get enough playing time as a rookie, though.
Depending on how the Bengals attack Wave 2 and beyond of free agency, this could easily be one of the scenarios that unfolds.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals go BPA in post-free agency mock draft
Continue reading...
