2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl Edition
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21. Cincinnati Bengals- La’El Collins, OL, LSU
Cincinnati has done a fantastic job of building through the draft over the past few years, and they do not have a whole lot of pressing needs to address. Their biggest area of weakness is on the line of scrimmage on both the offensive and defensive sides, and with the elite pass rushers in this year’s draft already having been picked by the 21st selection, the Bengals can bolster their line depth with La’El Collins.
Collins has experience playing both tackle and guard, and in my opinion, he has the skills to be an effective left tackle in the NFL. The Bengals have that position filled for the moment, though 33-year-old Andrew Whitworth is getting up there in years, so Collins can prepare to take over as the left tackle in a few years.
Until then, Cincinnati could use more stability at the left guard position, and they could plug Collins in there. They may also have a need at right tackle, as Andre Smith suffered a torn triceps in 2014, which is a difficult injury for a tackle to recover from. Whatever the case, Collins is a strong pass blocker who handles the edge well, and though he needs some work with using his leverage properly, he’s a big, physical blocker who should make an impact wherever he plays on the Bengals’ line.
Next: 22. Pittsburgh Steelers