The Cincinnati Bengals struggle in a new type of mock draft that emphasizes re-drafting the NFL.
There, the Bengals understandably miss on Joe Burrow, who goes fourth overall to the New England Patriots.
In the mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the Bengals are then forced to go with C.J. Stroud at No. 17:
“Stroud took a step back statistically in 2024, but he still possesses the pocket presence to be a very good starter for the Bengals.”
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Sitting 17th overall and landing a former No. 2 overall pick from the 2023 draft isn’t a bad deal, though. Stroud seemed to “regress” with a bit of a sophomore slump last year, yet still completes 63.5 percent of his passes with 43 touchdowns against 17 interceptions. He’s just 23, too, while Burrow is 28.
If nothing else, it’s a fun little what if? Project in early June that doubles as a projection for how individual players will perform in 2025.
Luckily for the Bengals, Burrow is fourth overall and in real life, he’s their quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals stumble in ‘win now’ mock draft project, miss Joe Burrow
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
