All in – it appears so – Dexter Lawrence is now a Bengal. The trade announced on Saturday night sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The Bengals sent the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for the mammoth defensive lineman.
“Sexy Dexy”, if healthy, is a dominant defensive tackle. Last season he played with a lingering elbow injury. The Bengals’ brass must be confident that is resolved.
Pros:
Dominant defensive tackle (0-1 technique) that can generate pass rush and tie up centers and guards in the run game – freeing up linebackers. He can take on double teams and combo blocks and hold his ground. His presence immediately impacts the Bengals’ run defense. His age is a concern but for defensive tackle – less so given they can be dominant into their 30s. The biggest pro may be taking the ball out of Duke Tobin’s hands with the 10th pick. No doubt he would have selected Mansoor Delane, leaving more talented players on the board.
Cons:
Lawrence is pricey, which can be difficult to swallow for a defensive tackle. However, the Bengals have plenty of space in the ‘27 season and can restructure contracts to create even more cap space. Giving up the 10th pick is a hard pill to swallow but in the immediate future the trade improves the team. However, potentially missing on a guy like Caleb Downs may sting down the road. In addition, the first round won’t be as much fun! Nonetheless we will have a live broadcast so tune in.
Trade summary:
The win now mode is in full effect. Give Tobin and his staff credit. They are truly going for a championship this season. If the Ravens made the same trade for example, the narrative would be the Bengals never make such a move. For once, they are going for the whole ball of wax.
On to the draft – full mock to the Bengals pick at 41:
.1. Las Vegas: Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge – Ohio St
3. Arizona: David Bailey, Edge – Texas Tech
4. Tennessee: Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, T – Miami
6. Cleveland: Kadyn Proctor, T – Alabama
7. Washington: Rueben Bain, Edge – Miami
8. New Orleans: Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State
9. Kansas City: Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State
10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State
11. Miami: Spencer Fano, T – Utah
12. Dallas: Mansoor Delane, DB – LSU
13. Los Angeles Rams: Kenyon Sadiq, TE – Oregon
14. Baltimore: Olaivavega Ioane, G – Penn State
15. Tampa Bay: Jermod McCoy, DB – Tennessee
16. New York Jets: Makai Lemon, WR – USC
17. Detroit: Monroe Freeling, T – Georgia
18. Minnesota: Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon
19. Carolina: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S – Toledo
20. Dallas: Caleb Lomu, T – Utah
21. Pittsburgh: Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colton Hood, DB – Tennessee
23. Philadelphia: Max Iheanachor, T – Arizona State
24. Cleveland: Keldric Faulk, Edge – Auburn
25. Chicago: Akheem Mesidor, Edge – Miami
26. Buffalo: Chase Bisontis, G – Texas A&M
27. San Francisco: Blake Miller, T – Clemson
28. Houston: Kayden McDonald, T – Ohio State
29. Kansas City: Chris Johnson, DB – San Diego State
30. Miami: Denzel Boston, WR- Washington
31. New England: Zion Young, Edge- Missouri
32. Seattle: Cashius Howell, Edge- Texas A&M
2nd Round:
33. New York Jets: CJ Allen, LB- Georgia
34. Arizona: Ty Simpson, QB- Alabama
35. Tennessee: TJ Parker, Edge- Clemson
36. Las Vegas: Emmanuel Pregnon, G- Oregon
37. New York Giants: Omar Cooper Jr., WR- Indiana
38. Houston: Keylan Rutledge, G- Georgia Tech
39. Cleveland: KC Concepcion, WR- Texas A&M
40. Kansas City: Eli Stowers, TE- Vanderbilt
The Bengals hit the clock for their first pick at number 41. A shame Concepcion was selected by the Browns. If Concepcion were available, he would be my selection. Now what? Best options are linebackers Anthony Hill, Jr. and Jacob Rodriguez, Corners D’Angelo Ponds, Brandon Cisse and Keionte Scott, edge Gabe Jacas, Malachi Lawrence and R. Mason Thomas would be nice picks as would be guards Chase Bisontis and a guy I love, Keylan Rutledge.
Receiver should be addressed but what is left on the board isn’t worth the 41st pick. There will be options in the third round. Anthony Hill, Jr. is an absolute beast. He would be my selection given the board. However, no doubt Duke Tobin and crew still believe in their young linebackers. With that said…
41. Brandon Cisse, DB- South Carolina: I’m swinging for the fences here. Cisse turns 21 in July – superb athlete – has all the traits – very good tackler – All-Pro potential. I love Ponds and Scott – but each have their limitations. Cisse would be a big-time weapon for Al Golden.