2017 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Final 7-Round Mock Draft
By Kenn Korb
Round 1, Pick 9: Solomon Thomas, DL – Stanford
The defensive line used to be the crux of success for the Cincinnati defense. According to Football Outsiders numbers, from 2011-13 the group found themselves in the top half of the league every season against both the run and the pass, including a top-five showing on each side at least once in that time. 2014 saw the group take a massive step down to one of the worst units across the NFL (27th against the run, 31st against the pass), and though they’ve improved since that down year, they managed to just be middling at best in 2015-16 and are showing signs of an inevitable further decline.
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They do have the combination of Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins still playing well, but those two are squarely in their late 20s now; beyond them, there is a sad collection of formerly-decent contributors (Michael Johnson), replacement-level talents (Will Clarke, Pat Sims), and a slew of limited/unproven young players. Of any position group on the team, an influx of high-end talent is most needed here. Luckily, this draft looks set to supply them with exactly what they need right away.
One of the likely scenarios for this draft could see a top defensive line talent fall right to the Bengals at No. 9. It won’t be Myles Garrett, but either Jonathan Allen or Solomon Thomas would be an immediate boon to the talent of the Bengals’ defensive line and give them three high-quality talents.
Both have minor supposed issues regarding their size and frame, but that wouldn’t scare off the Bengals at all. They’ve seen the size issue be overblown on guys and grabbed them anyway in the past (Geno Atkins), and would gladly do so again if their overall talent makes it a worthwhile move.
If both are available, I believe Thomas would be the right pick.
Though he’s considered a “tweener,” he can play beyond his frame. He’ll get stronger in the NFL too, further alleviating the few issues teams may have with him right now. Put him next to Atkins, and not only would he not have to be the guy worrying about double-teams, but the pairing could quickly become one of the more devastating inside duos in the league.
Alternative Selection: Jonathan Allen, DL – Alabama
Either Allen or Thomas would be a steal for the Bengals at this spot, and the team would have to be happy about either. Of the two, though, the more likely one to be around by the Bengals’ pick seems to be Allen.
Though it is conceivable that just about any of the teams above them select him, there are plenty of needs for each of those rosters, and secondary players may get prioritized ahead of line talent. Those teams also could trade down to teams hoping for a quarterback, further pushing down these prospects.
The team to watch is Carolina. If both are there for them, it appears at least for now that Thomas would be their choice. He seems slightly more able to step inside and outside on a line, and could be seen as a potential long-term fit next to Kawann Short. Star Lotulelei did have his fifth-year option picked up, but he’s had a couple down years. Even if he regains his 2013-14 form, he might be too expensive to keep at that point and could be moved on from after 2017.
The Bengals would gladly take Allen as a fallback. The gap between him and Thomas is miniscule (if it exists at all), and he has slight advantages in arm length and weight over him. He also seems more malleable in terms of where the team can use him since he could work as both inside and out.
Either way they go, getting one of these two would make the first day of the draft a success for the team.