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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Spencer Rattler takes top spot, Eagles replace Hurts

By Randy Gurzi

NORMAN, OK - APRIL 24: Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs with the ball against the defense during their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - APRIL 24: Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs with the ball against the defense during their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Evan Neal #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sits in his stance during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Alabama. 6. player. OT. Evan Neal. 56

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

When the Cincinnati Bengals were on the clock at No. 5 in the 2021 NFL Draft, just about everyone tuning in thought they were going to take Penei Sewell from Oregon. After losing Joe Burrow to a torn ACL, that would have been a pretty good move too.

Burrow spent his entire rookie season being hit by defensive linemen then he finally saw the year come to a premature end when he took a hit that messed up his knee. However, the Bengals elected not to take Sewell, instead grabbing Ja’Marr Chase from LSU.

Chase does make sense when not looking at the offensive line since he already has a rapport with Burrow. They were teammates in 2019 for LSU and the wideout was his favorite target. He will be once again and adding him to the same offense as Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd almost feels unfair.

Having said all that, they need to get an offensive tackle in this draft and they grab the No. 1 guy on the board in Evan Neal from Alabama. AT 6-foot-7 and 360-pounds, Neal is massive but he’s still pretty athletic and is able to hold up against both the run and the pass.

Cincinnati’s line just got a lot better with this pick and as long as they don’t get Burrow hurt again in 2021, their offense might finally start to come together and reach their full potential.

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