2019 NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati Bengals take LB Devin Bush

The Cincinnati Bengals have finally turned the page on a long era of mediocrity. Head coach Marvin Lewis has finally been handed his walking papers and it’s time for Cincy to take on a brand-new identity.

So commenter Forty Handz is the general manager to lead the Bengals on the brigade. Acting as the Bengals general manager in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, Forty Handz has selected Michigan linebacker Devin Bush with the Bengals’ 11th overall pick. Here’s the explanation for the pick:

“The future of the Cincinnati Bengals is bleak after a number of subpar seasons resulting inevitably in the firing of Marvin Lewis. The way this year’s community mock draft shakes out for the Bengals is nearly as painfully awful... but, with change and a bit of luck, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope.

This team has a lot of legit needs and the hope is that one elite player will slide to Cincinnati that also fills one of those many needs.

Those needs? First, a true future QB—eventually they will need take someone to fill the gap left behind when the Red Rocket retires, and I think getting a top-tier guy a bit of NFL coaching while sitting behind a Pro Bowler can’t hurt. Dalton has two years left and could be traded if someone ends up ready earlier than expected. However, Haskins is gone and Lock wasn’t on our list though...

Secondly, the team needs a ton of OL help and Jonah Williams and Jawaan Taylor fit the bill. Taylor is no longer available but Williams could be had... and is OL the biggest need?

Finally, the Bengals’ LB is devoid of playmakers. They lost Vontaze Burfict, which some see as a net gain, but it really hurt their overall experience. They have to target someone who can make an impact.

With LB White gone, the Bengals are happy to “settle” for Devin Bush.

Bush has range, speed and thump. As much as I want to not like him as a State fan, the guy is a playmaker. I expect him to play the middle out of the gate or transition to OLB. Either way, he’s going to play and he will make an impact. The gap between Bush and White is small and he is our 1B LB.”

Catch up on all of the top-10 picks with our Community Mock Draft Tracker.