Cincinnati Bengals 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Double Down At CB, OL

Round 1, 31st Overall: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

We’ve already mentioned that the offensive line is the area the Cincinnati Bengals need to address the most in free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. What will be interesting to watch is if the Bengals go with the “Chiefs overhaul” in addressing it or be more conservative to get the best out of an average group.

A pick in the first round that addresses the need will be telling, and that’s the way it goes here in this Bengals mock draft. The tackle group is a bit shallow at the top, and it’s possible four are off the board before the Bengals pick in the first round. Instead, they shift their focus to the interior, selecting Boston College’s Zion Johnson.

Obviously, the Bengals have spent a good amount of draft capital to get the interior right, from Jackson Carman to Hakeem Adeniji and D’Ante Smith. But, Adeniji struggled a ton this season and Carman wasn’t great filling in for him.

Johnson is a phenomenal pass protector, with excellent grip strength, power, and hand placement. His anchor is impressive, and he was often the only Eagles lineman who didn’t give up much ground in pass protection. Johnson also climbs to the second level well in the run game with good quicks and movement skills.