The Cincinnati Bengals still have some youth and intrigue, but also some question marks in the secondary. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Bengals add a defensive back in the first round in a few weeks.
That’s the scenario that plays out in the latest mock draft from Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.
Farmer gives the Bengals one of the fastest players, not only among defensive backs, but overall during February’s Scouting Combine in Kentucky with cornerback Maxwell Hairston. In fact, Hairston had the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.28 seconds. “Hairston melted the turf at the combine with his 4.28 40, providing a big bump to his draft stock,” wrote Farmer.
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Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (4.29) was the only other player to be under 4.3 seconds.
Hairston played seven games last season (missed five games with a shoulder injury). He posted 19 tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a pick-six. Hairston brings very good ball skills and athleticism to the table, which helps make up for his slender build (5-11, 183 pounds).
This draft could give us a sense on how the Bengals feel about Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill and DJ Turner as a group. Hairston could easily push for a starting job very early on. A new defensive coordinator could bring a fresh opportunity for these guys or it could open the door for new faces.
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