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2017 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Final 7-Round Mock Draft

By Kenn Korb

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals center Russell Bodine (61) takes the field against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals center Russell Bodine (61) takes the field against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian offensive lineman Aviante Collins speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian offensive lineman Aviante Collins speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6 Compensatory Pick: Aviante Collins, OT – TCU

The Bengals must already have picked up a lineman by this point, but adding a second is just as important. No matter what spot the first guy plays, the Cincinnati offensive line really needs more talent, and a player at any position would be a fit. These later round guys tend to not be immediate contributors, but many can be developed into useable players relatively quickly, and Collins should be no different.

He played tackle in college, but may have to shift to guard. Either way there will be potential problems for him at the next level. He isn’t quite big and long enough to be expected to handle edge rushers with aplomb, but he also doesn’t quite have the hand skills to effectively manage power rushes from the inside, either.

At least some of that can be fixed through coaching however, and his never-quit toughness equip him with the mentality to have a shot against most players he gets lined up against.

If things don’t go well with the Ogbuehi/Fisher combo at tackle early on 2017, or if their initial plans at replacing Kevin Zeitler at guard don’t pan out, the coaches could feel at least somewhat comfortable turning to Collins in a time of need.

More likely, they will view him as a guy who will improve after a year as a backup and turn himself into a more quality starting threat in 2018 and beyond.

Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Damarius Travis (7) celebrates in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars during the 2016 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Damarius Travis (7) celebrates in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars during the 2016 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Alternative Selection: Damarius Travis, S – Minnesota

The safety spot for the Bengals is decently set at the top, but the depth could use a boost. That’s a good spot for Travis. He isn’t a starter-level player, but he can improve upon that in time. He has all the size and strength necessary for success, but he must get better in the actual playing of the position.

His inconsistent tackling and lacking downfield coverage will be a detriment, but spending time playing, practicing, and getting coached up will smooth out the edges of those issues to the point where he can contribute.

Currently there is little beyond Shawn Williams and George Iloka on the roster, so another capable body would help the unit.

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