Mel Kiper’s final mock draft also has Bengals taking Jahmyr Gibbs

The Cincinnati Bengals must really, really like Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Or, there’s an elaborate smokescreen at play in the hopes another team takes him, letting a different prospect fall to them at No. 28.

Or…why not both?

Our final seven-round mock draft had the Bengals taking Gibbs. And not long after, an actual report linking the Bengals to Gibbs surfaced.

And now we have Mel Kiper Jr.’s final mock draft, where he too has the Bengals taking Gibbs in a mock that is based on his projections and what he’s been hearing:

With Gibbs still available, I think the Bengals would pounce. Joe Mixon was ineffective last season, and he could be a candidate to be released after the draft. Gibbs is a tremendous pass-catcher out of the backfield, but his between-the-tackles ability is underrated. He’d make this offense better.

Massive smokescreen? There’s always a chance, but Gibbs’ skill set as a receiver and possible every-down back that gives defenses nightmares makes way too much sense in this specific offense.

After a trip to free agency where the Bengals addressed every need on the roster at least somewhat well, they have the wiggle room to make a luxury pick that helps the offensive line and overall offense by adding a dynamic playmaker.