2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stephon Gilmore Picked Up By Bengals

With the 17th pick in SB Nation's 2012 NFL mock draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore.

The Bengals lost CB Johnathan Joseph in free agency last year and they need to replace him, which is where Gilmore comes in. He projects as the future starter and there seem to be few question marks about his game.

Even though the Bengals have loaded up on cornerbacks in free agency by bringing back Adam Jones and signing Jason Allen, Cincinnati needs to address the future of the position and figure out how they're going to replace Johnathan Joseph, who left in free agency before the 2011 season. The only way to do that is in the draft and with the talent at the cornerback position in the 2012 draft class, the Bengals are lucking out. Gilmore is a talented, mature and team-oriented corner who could contribute right away and take over as a starting cornerback down the road opposite of Leon Hall. With Gilmore and Hall in the secondary, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will be able to be much more creative with the front seven when it comes to the pass rush.

For more analysis of the pick, visit Mocking The Draft. SB Nation's Chargers blog, Bolts From The Blue, is on the clock with the 18th pick.