2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Must Land Tyler Lockett

Over the past four seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have placed their trust in embattled quarterback Andy Dalton. The result has been four consecutive berths in the NFL Playoffs and four consecutive one-and-done appearances.

Thus, all eyes are on the Bengals to make a run at a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Dalton’s must improve, but part of Cincinnati’s focus should be on better complementing its quarterback. Its offensive firepower has been heralded, but it routinely falls apart when A.J. Green hasn’t been available.

Landing a pass-rusher must be a top priority, but it’s playmaker Tyler Lockett of the Kansas State Wildcats who should be viewed as Cincinnati’s must-have prospect.

Shining at the Combine

Lockett is a 5’10” and 182-pound wide receiver whose character has been praised on a consistent basis. He’s a film rat who’s fundamentally sound and produces at an elite level in multiple phases of the game.

At the 2015 NFL Draft scouting combine, Lockett proved how he can be in the NFL.

Lockett ran a 4.40 40-yard dash, per NFL.com. That ranked No. 5 amongst wide receivers and helped to establish just how explosive he can be in the open field.

He was a top performer in the in the 20 and 60-yard shuttles, as well.

Lockett’s 60-yard shuttle performance of 11.14 seconds was the fastest of any wide receiver in this draft class. Over the past two years, only five players at the position have recorded a time below 11.20 seconds.

Those players: Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Damian Copeland, Bruce Ellington and Lockett.

Beckham Jr. is already a star, Cooks had 53 receptions as a rookie and Ellington cracked the Top 5 in yards per kickoff return and in the Top 15 in yards per punt return in 2014. Only Copeland has failed to pan out, thus far.

In other words, Lockett has the speed, agility and elusiveness to achieve similar success.

Star Slot Receiver

Lockett isn’t the biggest name in the 2015 NFL Draft, and in many ways, he’s a sleeper. There’s a very good chance that he’ll slip all the way to the early third round and enter the realm of an under-the-radar contributor.

Recognized or otherwise, he’d be of extraordinary value to the Bengals.

Lockett finished the 2014 college football season with 106 receptions for 1,515 yards and 11 touchdowns. He closed out the campaign with five consecutive performances with at least nine receptions and 100 yards, exceeding 10 catches and 150 yards in four of those appearances.

At the next level, and in Cincinnati specifically, Lockett has elite potential as a slot receiver.

Lockett’s the type of player who plays up to the level of his competition, fighting for extra yardage and serving as a willing blocker. He needs to get stronger, but his raw ability is undeniable.

Lockett is an outstanding route-runner with good hands, explosive speed and the ability to break a defense vertically.

There are bigger players and more explosive leapers, but Lockett compares favorably to some of the best undersized NFL receivers. For Dalton, his value would be extraordinary.

Dalton tends to force the ball downfield—that’s on both the offensive coordinator and the quarterback—and Lockett could be the short-to-intermediate threat to solidify the Bengals’ offense.

Dominant Returner

As previously established, Tyler Lockett could be similar to Brandin Cooks in the way he makes an immediate impact as a short-to-intermediate route receiver. What makes Lockett a safe pick isn’t his speed or intriguing fundamentals.

Instead, it’s his dominance in the return game.

Lockett returned 21 punts for 402 yards and two touchdowns during the 2014 college football season. Amongst players with at least 10 attempts, Lockett led the FBS in yards per punt return.

Along with a storied career as a kick returner, Lockett proved to be the very definition of a do-it-all contributor.

As Tyler Lockett takes the field at the #NFLCombine this morning, here's a look back at his career with #KStateFB. pic.twitter.com/4dy7kHeBvH
— K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) February 21, 2015

For Cincinnati, that type of presence would be vital.

Adam Jones and Brandon Tate were great in 2014, but Jones is turning 32 this coming September. Tate is dynamic in the return game, but he’s limited in his impact as a receiver.

Lockett is the complete package.

There are bigger names, and bigger receivers, but Lockett projects to be one of the top sleepers in this draft class. He’s a hard worker with a commitment to the gym and the film room, as well as extraordinary versatility.

If the first round is too early to pull the trigger, Cincinnati must do what it takes to make Lockett a part of their future in the second round.

Next: Gambles the Cincinnati Bengals should take in the 2015 NFL Draft

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