#TRSB #Bengals #NFL Mock Rounds (1-5)

1.21. Matt Elam, Safety

The #Bengals want Kenny Vacarro, but it is very unlikely he will be around at this spot.  DJ Fluker is a possibility but I believe he will be gone and the Bengals should resign Andre Smith early next week. Matt Elam is a first round talent who's only knock is his size. Eric Reid and Jonathan Cyprien also could be the pick if they are still on the board.

2a.37. Tank Carradine, Defensive End

The Bengals recently attended Carradine's private workout. Carradine is seen as a first talent, but recent knee surgery could push him to the second round. The Bengals could also draft corner D.J. Hayden with this pick. With a safety drafted in the 1st the Bengals will take the best player on their board like they did with Devon Still last year. The Bengals attended Carradine's workout last week and according to Joe Reedy he ran a 4.75 which is impressive especially coming off of a knee injury. Carradine provides insurance for MJ93 and Carlos Dunlap. 

2b.53 Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver

Keenan Allen was once regarded as the draft's top wide receiver and has been compared by many to Anquan Boldin.  Allen's stock has been steadily declining with the upcoming draft due to a PCL injury, slow 40 time of 4.7, off field issues and an alleged failed Combine drug test. All the signs point to a potential fall in the draft for Allen. Some teams could take a chance on Allen he may not last this long so the Bengals may have to pull the trigger at 37. The Bengals have a talented young nucleus that could use another weapon opposite Green. When questioned about the position Marvin Lewis stated the Bengals could draft another to add depth. Mohammed Sanu's versatility and ability to play the slot receiver could allow them to add Allen in the mix.

3.84 Jonathan Franklin, Running Back

It's no secret that the Bengals have a major void at running back and plan to pick one in this upcoming draft. Most mocks have them taking Giovanni Bernard which is a highly likely scenario that they could take. Bernard is viewed by most as the 2nd best running back in the draft. He also had knee concerns and is expected to be drafted anywhere from the 2-3 round. The Bengals draft strategy has always lead them to pick the higher rated player on their draft board. Franklin is an explosive change of  pace back that the Bengals are looking for and they coached him during the Senior Bowl. Although the Bengals are known to overlook character concerns they also like players with high character. Franklin makes sense and this is the range he should be taken.

4.118 Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback

Tyrann Mathieu is a prospect the Bengals are extremely interested in and has some of the intangibles that the Bengals look for. The Honey Badger could be a nickel package player and special teams contributor for the Bengals. Landing  Mathieu in the fourth round would be an intriguing high risk, high reward value pick.

5.156 Marcus Lattimore, Running Back

Marcus Lattimore was once known as the top running back of this draft class. After two devastating knee injuries, however he is now expected to slide in the draft. It is unknown how high teams are on him or what pick they would be willing to draft him with.  Although many have supported his comeback,  it will be hard for teams to overlook his durability concerns and spend a high pick on him. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was  the only head coach present at Lattimore's private workout. This pick would also be high risk/ high reward.