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2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Select Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

By Sayre Bedinger
Feb 28, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Stephon Gilmore participates in pass interception drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Feb 28, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Stephon Gilmore participates in pass interception drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE


With the 17th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:

Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Bengals' GM: K-lazz

GM Explanation:

With Leon Hall coming off a season ending achilles injury and Nate Clements being a grandpa, the Bengals look to add a dynamic shadow casting CB in Gilmore. Cincy was 26th in INTs last season despite having a solid pass rush (5th in sacks) and a good run def (9th overall). When players like TJ Yates, Tarvaris Jackson, and John Skelton are ripping off 300 yard games, its time to get some upgrades in the secondary.

This was a tough choice between Gilmore and Kirkpatrick, but what tips the scales is the scouting reports on Gilmore's mental abilities. He understands defensive schemes and the role of all the players around him. He has fantastic speed and good height and should be able to provide immediate help to a secondary which has injury and future contract concerns.

The Bengals also have another pick at #21 and I could see them letting the CB slide to that spot assuming either Gilmore or Kirkpatrick would still be available.

Commissioner's Analysis: I'm a big fan of this pick. I think Gilmore fits in perfectly with the Cincinnati Bengals, and this is a great pick. They lost Jonathan Joseph to the Texans last year, and that turned out to be a great addition for Houston and Cincy needs to look to replace him long term. I think Gilmore is the most physical corner in the top tier of the draft, and he has great ball skills and speed. I really think he is a great selection here for the Bengals.

Draft Recap:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

12. Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

16. New York Jets: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

On the clock...San Diego Chargers (Broncologist)

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