Maybe the Cincinnati Bengals should consult with Mel Kiper before the draft each year.
Duke Tobin’s scouting department could use the help, given the hole they’ve dug for themselves with draft picks that haven’t panned out in recent years.
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Kiper’s latest NFL mock draft, which he did alongside other ESPN experts, is a three-round effort that has the Bengals making some interesting decisions across the board.
It breaks down like so:
No. 10: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
No. 41: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
No. 72: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Mel Kiper mock draft breakdown
It’s a nice haul that hits needs for the Bengals. They only have two starting corners, so getting the draft’s best and letting them figure out exact roles on the field at a later date makes a bunch of sense.
Some might bemoan the wideout pick, but here’s the writeup on Branch:
“Branch is 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, but he’s lightning quick (4.35-second 40-yard dash) and does damage after the catch. He’d be yet another playmaker for Joe Burrow alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.”
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The Bengals very quietly have a serious need at third wideout after Andrei Iosivas hasn’t stepped up. Charlie Jones is for special teams. Jermaine Burton didn’t work out. Branch’s skillset sure fits.
Then there’s Orange, the guy nicknamed “Big Citrus,” who can come in and help a needy interior defensive line and push not-performing guys like Kris Jenkins Jr. and others.
It’s not a haul that might draw rave reviews right away, but it works nicely in tandem with the younger parts the Bengals already have after free agency that could produce right away, while growing in the future, too.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Mel Kiper saves day for Bengals in new 3-round NFL mock draft