Predicting the NFL Draft is ridiculously tough. Predicting the 31st pick without knowing the first 30 picks is nearly impossible.
ESPN analytics has a tool to help simplify the process. Their Draft Day Predictor takes into account Scouts Inc. prospect grades, mock draft data, team needs, and past results to compute how likely players will be available, and which players are likely to be taken at certain picks.
When it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals’ selection at 31st overall, two names stick out more than others: Tyler Linderbaum of Iowa, and Zion Johnson of Boston College.