2014 NFL Mock Draft: CB Jason Verrett to the Cincinnati Bengals with the 24th pick

Given the way the board has fallen to this point, the Bengals will feel very comfortable filling one of their biggest needs at corner, with Terence Newman entering his age 36 season, Adam Jones his age 31 season, and Leon Hall hitting 3 decades. Newman is no lock to make the roster, Jones underperformed last year, and Hall, while a fantastic player when healthy, is coming off back-to-back Achilles tendon injuries. Meanwhile, 2012 first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick has disappointed thus far and needs to prove himself this season.

The Bengals need an infusion of talent and youth to this position group, and as luck would have it, Jason Verrett, Kyle Fuller, and Bradley Roby are all still available.

With the 24th overall pick in the Mile High Report Community Mock Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Given Hall's success for Cincinnati at 5'11 and 195lbs, it only seems natural that we would go for possibly the best cover corner in the draft: Jason Verrett of TCU, despite his size concerns at 5'10 and 189 lbs. Verrett showed his elite athleticism at the combine ranking among the top corners in the 40-yard dash (4.38 seconds), 3-cone drill (6.69), short shuttle (4.00) vertical jump (39 inches), and broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches).

Verrett possesses fluid hips, easily able to turn and adjust his frame. His excellent burst and flexibility allow him to seamlessly redirect his footwork to mirror receivers in space. He routinely covered the number 1 receiver during his time at TCU. His instincts allow him to come off his man to make a play, aggressively attacking the football in mid air and using his excellent ballskills and confidence to undercut routes and finish with the interception. Smart and sound with his cover assignments, he is always alert and ready to make a play if quarterbacks test him. In run support, he will hold his ground at the point of attack and does not shy away from contact. In addition, he consistently showed his prowess as a special teams player, making ‘wow' plays in coverage units, including a blocked field goal in 2012. He is an intelligent and heady player with high football character. Finally, he was very productive as a three-year starter, combining for 43 passes defended and nine interceptions in college.

TL;DR- He is a smart football player who uses his athleticism and instincts as a ballhawk and shut down receivers often 4 or more inches taller. He will make an immediate impact as a rookie and will improve Cincinnati's secondary considerably.

1. Houston Texans (ten_fiver) - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
2. St. Louis Rams (3amigosriseagain) - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (Jon Heath) - Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
4. Cleveland Browns (Mad Mel) - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
5. Oakland Raiders (Mancar) - Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
6. Atlanta Falcons (DeBroGermany) - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Old Numero 7) - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
8. Minnesota Vikings (WYOrangeCrush) - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
9. Buffalo Bills (Arimaris) - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
10. Detroit Lions (OregonBronco) - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee Titans (C-Pain) - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
12. New York Giants (DROPSWITCH) - Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
13. St. Louis Rams (Nastyj) - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
14. Chicago Bears (rstabenau) - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, UCLA
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (christiandomis) - Darqueze Denard, CB Michigan State
16. Dallas Cowboys (ElwayFanJ) - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
17. Baltimore Ravens (mikebirty) - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
18. New York Jets (FlyingJet12) - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
19. Miami Dolphins (@CPru37t) - Zack Martin, T/G, Notre Dame
20. Arizona Cardinals (Braden.Montgomery) - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
21. Green Bay Packers (pmmojo) - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
22. Philadelphia Eagles (Joseph Mahoney) - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
23. Kansas City Chiefs (blazezeal) - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
24. Cincinnati Bengals (Alec474) - Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
25. San Diego Chargers (boltfanindenver) - Sat May 3rd
26. Cleveland Browns (Whorfin) - Sun May 4th
27. New Orleans Saints (OrangeCrush19) - Mon May 5th
28. Carolina Panthers (horatiohog) - Mon May 5th
29. New England Patriots (crushsg) - Tue May 6th
30. San Francisco 49ers (frankencrank) - Tue May 6th
31. Denver Broncos (jmarlin8) - Wed May 7th
32. Seattle Seahawks (rclooman) - Wed May 7th