2010 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft: Pick No. 21

Rd. # Player Pos. College 1 21 Sergio Kindle DE/OLB Texas General Manager: motown313

With the 21st pick of the 2010 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Texas defensive end/outside linebacker Sergio Kindle.

Here is motown313's reasoning for the pick:

The Cincinnati Bengals are, for once, in a position where they don't have any real glaring needs heading into the draft. Could they use a wide receiver? Sure, but the only one that's worthy of a pick this high, Dez Bryant, is already off the board. Could they use a safety to replace Roy Williams, who tends to be a liability in coverage? Of course, but all three of the top safeties are gone already, and Nate Allen seems like a reach at this pick. And after re-signing G Bobbie Williams, who played very well last season, they don't have a vacancy on the offensive line to fill.

One thing that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has made clear this offseason is that he hopes to create a more consistent pass rush. Enter Sergio Kindle, a DE/OLB hybrid who has the potential to be a pass-rushing force in the NFL. He's extremely athletic, showcases a large wingspan, shows excellent closing speed when in pursuit of the ball-carrier, has good strength and ran a 4.65 at the combine. He plays particularly well in open space when given some freedom to roam and very rarely has problems bringing the ball-carrier down, which is why I think he'll excel as an OLB in the NFL.

When you factor in that current starting MLB Dhani Jones is 32 and in the final year of his contract, and that Rey Maualuga is already being groomed to take over for him at season's end, drafting an OLB with elite physical gifts to pair along with Maualuga and Keith Rivers next year seems like the best option for the Bengals from the players left on the draft board.

Check out the 2010 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.