NFL mock draft experimenting with Bengals trading back into Round 1

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals traded their No. 10 pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence, leaving them with the No. 41 pick in the draft. There are discussions about the possibility of them trading back into the first round to select an inside linebacker.

Key points

Bengals traded No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence
Current draft position is No. 41 overall
Potential trade back into first round discussed
CJ Allen from Georgia is a projected target

Dexter LawrenceCJ AllenGeorgiaCincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals made a very uncharacteristic move over the weekend, acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the No. 10 pick in this week’s draft.

As a result, the Bengals are now scheduled to make their first selection at No. 41 overall during Friday’s second round. But is there a world in which the Bengals trade back into the first round on Thursday?

Using the A to Z Sports simulator, we explored the possibility of the Bengals moving up to secure an inside linebacker.

No. 32 (projected trade with Seattle) - CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Bengals are able to trade up to the last pick of the first round, sending picks 41 and 199 this year plus a 4th-round pick next year to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

CJ Allen was a key piece of the Georgia defense for three seasons, starting as a freshman and eventually becoming a leader and captain for Kirby Smart.

The Bengals are hoping to come away with a potential starting option at linebacker in this draft and this is one possible pathway to that. And it’s not very costly, sending a sixth this year and a fourth next year to move up nine spots to grab a player that can make an impact behind Dexter Lawrence in the middle of the defense.

No. 72 - Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

The Bengals could also be looking for a potential option at the nickel position and they would get a lot of speed there with the addition of Keionte Scott.

Scott ran a 4.33 40 at his Pro Day (he did not run at the Scouting Combine). Combine his speed and his instincts, you get a player who can move around well on defense and be a force against the run. We all saw his impact for Miami in the College Football Playoffs, especially in the National Championship game against Indiana.

Q&A

Why did the Bengals trade their No. 10 pick in the NFL draft?

The Bengals traded their No. 10 pick to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants.

What is the Bengals' current draft position after the trade?

After the trade, the Bengals are scheduled to make their first selection at No. 41 overall in the second round.

Who might the Bengals target if they trade back into the first round?

If the Bengals trade back into the first round, they might target CJ Allen, an inside linebacker from Georgia.