Cincinnati Bengals 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Complete Seven Rounds

First round (4): Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Louisiana State University

The Bengals have many options here that they can go for. I have Cam Newton going to Carolina and Blaine Gabbert being drafted to Buffalo, so it looks like Cincinnati just barely missed out.

Cincinnati could opt for a pass-rusher, but with Da’Quan Bowers’ concerns over his knee, I can’t see the Bengals taking the risk this early on.

Bengals cornerback, Jonathan Joseph, is set to be a free agent, and there’s a good chance he’s allowed to walk. Patrick Peterson would be an immediate upgrade.

Second round (35): Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Florida State

The Bengals seem to not be buying Carson’s Palmers “trade me or I quit” talks, but I truly do believe him. Palmer and the Bengals’ organization are far from ever repairing their relationship.

If Palmer chooses to retire, Cincinnati will be left with Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour at quarterback— good luck getting any wins with either of those two.

Christian Ponder has first round talent, but I don’t see him getting in. The Seahawks could opt to take him, but Matt Hasselbeck has a year or two left in him.

Third round (66): Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

The Bengals won’t have Terrell Owens on the roster next year, and Chad Johnson is not the same receiver he was five years ago. In fact, he’s not even close.

Cincinnati has faith that Jerome Simpson can be their top wide-out, but how can a team take that kind of risk if they expect to compete?

Jonathan Baldwin has a ton of talent, but he’s viewed as a “diva” by many draft experts. Knowing the headache that Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall have been in the past, many teams will write Baldwin off of their board.

Fourth round (101): Pernell McPhee, Defensive End, Mississippi State

The Bengals have a great talent in Carlos Dunlap that they can build around, but the rest of their defensive line has many question marks.

Cincinnati could take a defensive end like Robert Quinn or Da’Quan Bowers in the first round, but both of them have medical concerns that will cause them to take a slide.

Pernell McPhee, great name and all, will take his talents to the Bengals. While he likely won’t be a starter in his first year, he has the potential to start somewhere down the road.

Fifth round (134): Robert Sands, Safety, West Virginia

Can you name the Bengals two starting safeties? Unless you’re a Cincinnati fan, I doubt you were able to.

The Bengals clearly need to upgrade their safety position. This is one of the worst classes for safeties in years, but there are still a few talented ones left.

Robert Sands is a tremendous fit in Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme. He shouldn’t have a tough time whatsoever transferring to the pro level.

Sixth round (167): Stevan Ridley, Running Back, Louisiana State University

The Bengals need running back depth. Cedric Benson could be on a new team in 2011, which the Bengals can’t afford to let happen.

Cincinnati has already claimed that they plan to focus more on their running game next year, so they’ll need at least two running back’s that can handle numerous carries.

Stevan Ridley, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated running back’s in the draft. That said, he shouldn’t be more than a No. 2 running back for most of his career.

Seventh round (207): Mike Mohamed, Middle Linebacker, California

One of the Bengals’ biggest needs is at middle linebacker. They tried Rey Maualuga there for a while, but it didn’t work out. They need to find some consistency in the center of their linebacker’s group.

Mike Mohamed is a 6’3″, 240 pound linebacker that ran a 4.65 at the combine. Although he’s a seventh-rounder, Mohamed could have an early impact on special teams.

Seventh round (248): Mike Person, Guard, Montana State

The Bengals’ last pick should be spent on an offensive lineman. Cincinnati doesn’t have a great line as it is, so they can use all the help they’ll get.

Mike Person is a 6’5″, 300 pound guard from Montana State. I think it’s safe to say that almost no one has heard of him. Well, at least you’re on the Bengals now, Mr. Person!

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