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2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Seven-Round Mock 1.0

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By @BZarp

2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Seven-Round Mock 1.0

Marvin Lewis
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It was another quality regular season for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014. Unfortunately, things fell apart in the postseason once again. If the Bengals are ever going to take that next step, they need to make significant improvements to make up for their obvious deficiency at quarterback. To help make those improvements, here’s what Cincinnati may do in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Round 1: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Matthew Emmons - USATODAY Sports

Round 1: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Matthew Emmons - USATODAY Sports

The Cincinnati front-four was not quite as good this season as in past years, so the Bengals may be looking to give their defensive line a boost. Goldman has great size and has a quick burst, enabling him to push offensive linemen into the pocket and help his team's pass rush even if he's not the one getting the sack. Without putting up big numbers, Goldman could make a big difference on the Cincinnati defense next year.

Round 2: Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

Anthony Harris Virginia
Geoff Burke - USATODAY Sports

Round 2: Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

Anthony Harris Virginia
Geoff Burke - USATODAY Sports

Safety has been a weak spot on the Cincinnati defense for the last few years, and it's time for them to dedicate an early-round draft pick to upgrade at that position. Harris isn't as strong or physically intimidating as most teams would prefer from a safety, but he has great coverage skills, is able to cover a lot of ground and can force turnovers with his ball skills.

Round 3: Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

Nick O'Leary Florida State
Tommy Gilligan - USATODAY Sports

Round 3: Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

Nick O'Leary Florida State
Tommy Gilligan - USATODAY Sports

Jermaine Gresham is a free agent this offseason, but it may not be worth it for the Bengals to re-sign him if they can pick up a tight end like Nick O'Leary in the draft. O'Leary is one of the most deceptively athletic tight ends in recent memory and a great catcher of the football. He was a favorite target of Jameis Winston over the past two years, and he could be a real asset for Andy Dalton, who needs all the help he can get.

Round 4: Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU

Kwon Alexander
Chuck Cook - USATODAY Sports

Round 4: Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU

Kwon Alexander
Chuck Cook - USATODAY Sports

The Bengals need to add some help at linebacker during the draft, if for no other reason than to add depth at that position and protect against injuries. Alexander brings plenty of speed to the linebacker position, and he was the leading tackler on a good LSU defense in 2014. He also has plenty of room for improvement, so a couple years down the line he could be a reliable starter on the Cincinnati defense.

Round 5: Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson

Stephone Anthony Clemson
Getty Images

Round 5: Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson

Stephone Anthony Clemson
Getty Images

The Bengals will double up on linebackers on Day 3 due to their need at that position, and Anthony will provide some protection with Rey Maualuga being a free agent this offseason. Anthony isn't sound in pass coverage, but he's explosive when it comes to stopping the run game between the tackles. He has ideal size for a middle linebacker and can provide some devastating hits.

Round 6: Justin Manton, PK, Louisiana-Monroe

Justin Manton Louisiana Monroe
Nelson Chenault - USATODAY Sports

Round 6: Justin Manton, PK, Louisiana-Monroe

Justin Manton Louisiana Monroe
Nelson Chenault - USATODAY Sports

Mike Nugent is a free agent, and after an average season, there's no guarantee the Bengals will try hard to re-sign him. In the event that they don't, Manton could be a kicker they target in the late rounds of the draft, as he's arguably the best kicker available.

Round 7: Rannell Hall, WR, Central Florida

Rannell Hall, Wide Receiver, Central Florida
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

Round 7: Rannell Hall, WR, Central Florida

Rannell Hall, Wide Receiver, Central Florida
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

Whenever possible, the Bengals need to help out Andy Dalton, so taking a chance on a wide receiver in the last round is a likely move. Hall has strong hands and a great change of direction. This will make him a good fit as a slot receiver where he can make catches over the middle and gain yards after the catch.

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