2021 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals seven-round mock draft
By Ian Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals 2021 NFL Draft: Round 6
183. WR. Trevon Grimes. Florida. player. 56. Scouting Report. College Statistics
Nearing the end of the 2021 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals opt to take a chance on a raw athlete. With wide receiver A.J. Green likely on his way out via free agency, Cincy can bring another favorable target to present easier throws to Joe Burrow.
At-six-foot-four, Trevon Grimes is one of the best pure jump-ball receivers entering the league in the 2021 NFL draft, not only because of his athleticism but because of his savvy understanding of how to use his body.
Grimes has an innate comprehension of how to create leverage against coverage and provide welcoming throwing-windows to his quarterback. This single skill would make Grimes a threatening boundary-receiver when paired with Joe Burrow from day one.
Despite a lack of natural agility from his lengthy frame, Grimes could very realistically provide chunk-gains on short receptions thanks to his raw speed. Grimes was reported having run a 4.47 40-yard dash, according to Pro Football Network. With these physical tools, Grimes could become much more than a downfield target for Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati Bengals 2021 NFL Draft: Round 7
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Elerson Smith. 197. Northern Iowa. player. 56
With their final selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals take another flyer on a raw athletic specimen who will continue to develop throughout his rookie contract and provide key depth to a mediocre defensive line.
One of the most intriguing prospects of the FCS in the 2021 NFL Draft, Northern Iowa’s Elerson Smith is a raw six-foot-seven edge who brings a legitimate speed-rush against offensive tackles. Combine this with superior length, Smith has the tools of an All-Pro pass-rusher.
With such a slim frame, Smith has had questions raised about durability and setting the edge against the run in the NFL. Even with such concerns, Smith holds a high-floor as a situational pass-rusher and can feasibly continue to add muscle mass throughout the beginning of his tenure in the NFL.