Cincinnati Bengals 3-Round 2022 Mock Draft: More Help On Offense?

Round 1: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

This pick is probably getting really old for Cincinnati Bengals fans, as it’s been in mock drafts all summer long. Summer mocks are more geared to finding need, and that’s what this selection is for the Bengals.

We’ve talked already about how this offensive line needs serious work and that the 2022 NFL Draft can be where the Bengals look again to stock up picks on the offensive line. No one is saying that none of the players they selected in this past draft will work out. In fact, D’Ante Smith is a promising projection a couple seasons down the road, maybe even in 2022. However, to not come away with a true tackle back in April was stunning and downright inexcusable.

Evan Neal is, for most, the top tackle in the 2022 class at the moment and would be an upgrade over Reiff on the outside. Neal has impressive size for the position and incredible movement skills for his size. He’s a dominant force in the run game and can completely displace defenders to open holes. Balance and hand placement are the two biggest areas for improvement, and if the move to left tackle this year is successful, will have shown he can play on both sides. Williams and Neal would be a very good bookend duo in Cincinnati.