2021 NFL Draft: Three-round Cincinnati Bengals mock draft

The Cincinnati Bengals turn their attention to their defense with their third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Bengals looking to address the future of their pass rush, linebacking group and secondary, Cincinnati has a number of routes when improving their defense this offseason. With top corners and linebackers off the board, the Bengals turn their attention to improving the defensive line.

Cincinnati again ranks near the bottom of the NFL in both pressuring the quarterback and in sack percentage. The Bengals line is expected to struggle even further after trading one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, Carlos Dunlap to Seattle.

While a number of quality defensive ends could be available via free agency, Cincinnati instead takes a cheaper, long-term approach by adding a pass rusher through the 2021 NFL Draft.

In come Pitt defensive end, Patrick Jones II who continues to build upon an impressive breakout 2019 season. As a third-year starter at Pitt, Jones II has accounted for 28.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks and has been a key figure in one of college football’s best defensive fronts.

Jones II has the NFL measurements comparable to the league’s top pass rushers and has flashed all the attributes at the college level.

Patrick Jones II gives the Bengals defensive line a quick and intelligent pass rusher, with the wingspan and attributes desired at the next level.

In what is becoming one of the league’s best quarterback divisions, the Bengals would do well adding a dominate pass rusher and could pick up a day one starter with Jones II in the third round.