With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 34
Next

Boise State Broncos. Leighton Vander Esch. 21. player. 56. . Inside Linebacker

The Cincinnati Bengals moved back from No. 12 to No. 21, but that wasn’t the only significant aspect of the trade. Cincinnati acquired Pro Bowl offensive lineman Cordy Glenn from the Buffalo Bills, which could enable it to address its underwhelming play at both tackle and guard.

It’s plausible that the Bengals will still utilize the No. 21 overall selection on an offensive lineman, but the organization instead addresses the need for a leader at inside linebacker.

Leighton Vander Esch will need time to adjust to the NFL and become the player that he’s capable of developing into. He’s an athletic phenom who plays hard and has scheme versatility, however, and could be the middle linebacker of the future for the Bengals.

If Vander Esch realizes his full potential, he would be a true three-down player who can excel in every phase of the game at a vital position.

Vontaze Burfict is a star-caliber player on the weakside, but Geno Atkins needs a linebacker behind him who can make the most of the lanes he creates. Vander Esch could be the answer as an explosive athlete who recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 2017.

Cincinnati must be wary of the fact that Vander Esch will be somewhat raw entering the NFL, but his work ethic and athleticism should make him a leader on defense.

Home/Mock Drafts