With The First Pick
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NFL Mock Draft 2017: All Set up by Free Agency

By Carl Cockerham

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) and defensive lineman Reggie Chevis (13) in action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) and defensive lineman Reggie Chevis (13) in action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball against Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball against Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

56. The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t doing much in free agency besides keeping their own players. They had a bad year last year but it wasn’t because of their offense so they’re drafting defense. Facing Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco in the AFC North, they need to get after the QB. <p>The defense wasn’t quite up to snuff in 2016 as the front-seven had their issues pressuring the QB. The Bengals have Carlos Dunlap on the offensive right edge and Geno Atkins inside. To complete their pass rush, the Bengals at least need an edge rusher on the other side of Dunlap.</p><div class=. DE. Michigan. Taco Charlton. 9. player

You can see from the last few years that the Bengals like their edge rushers tall and long more than anything. So you can see where 6’6″, 277-pound Taco Charlton would fit in well in Cincinnati. He didn’t run his 40 very well at the combine (4.92) but he has decent burst of the edge.

Charlton also has the power to jolt opposing OTs and a nice spin move that gets him to the QB. Those 34 1/2-inch long arms will serve him well in his pass rush and against the run. The fastest way to the top is through the line of scrimmage so this is a good move for the Bengals.

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9

Taco Charlton

DE, Michigan

Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals /

The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t doing much in free agency besides keeping their own players. They had a bad year last year but it wasn’t because of their offense so they’re drafting defense. Facing Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco in the AFC North, they need to get after the QB.

The defense wasn’t quite up to snuff in 2016 as the front-seven had their issues pressuring the QB. The Bengals have Carlos Dunlap on the offensive right edge and Geno Atkins inside. To complete their pass rush, the Bengals at least need an edge rusher on the other side of Dunlap.

You can see from the last few years that the Bengals like their edge rushers tall and long more than anything. So you can see where 6’6″, 277-pound Taco Charlton would fit in well in Cincinnati. He didn’t run his 40 very well at the combine (4.92) but he has decent burst of the edge.

Charlton also has the power to jolt opposing OTs and a nice spin move that gets him to the QB. Those 34 1/2-inch long arms will serve him well in his pass rush and against the run. The fastest way to the top is through the line of scrimmage so this is a good move for the Bengals.

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