2017 NFL mock draft: Charles Harris to the Cincinnati Bengals

In the first round, Cincy Jungle swung for the fences for the Bengals in taking running back Leonard Fournette. It may not have addressed the team’s issues on defense, but Fournette’s addition could transform Cincinnati’s offense. Going into the second round, the Bengals are faced with issues on the defensive line, where they could use a pass rusher and an interior piece.

Jason Marcum of Cincy Jungle is here to make the tough call on the Bengals.

Marcum: I went back and forth on this one with both Tim Williams and Charles Harris on the board. Both are tremendous pass rushers who badly give the Bengals help in that department, but I give Harris the edge. He actually was an every-down guy playing in a defense that was very weak outside of him, but Harris still managed to put up big numbers this past season.

Williams, on the other hand, had several games in which he was on the field less than 20 snaps while playing in a loaded defense that made it easier to mask his weaknesses. Harris played in 700-plus snaps in each of the past two seasons, which Williams didn’t account for in his entire career.

I also believe, of the two, Harris has a better shot at making it in the NFL as a 4-3 defensive end, whereas Williams is likely only going to work as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

But Harris will also need to bulk up with just a 6’3, 253-pound frame. He still managed to be a pass-rushing force for the Tigers, despite frequent double-teams and plays run away from him.

He may be just a situational guy who plays only on passing downs as a rookie, but I feel he can develop into a solid 4-3 defensive end. It’s also possible he becomes a hybrid player that lines up at end and at outside linebacker.

Analysis: This is one of my favorite picks of this mock draft. You can strongly argue for Harris beginning with the Dallas Cowboys at pick No. 28 in the first round. To get him at No. 41 is an incredible value. Although Harris may start his career as a pass rush specialist, he’s the type of player the Bengals need.

The last pick of the day will be up at 3 p.m. ET with Canal Street Chronicles once again making the pick for the New Orleans Saints.