Cincinnati Bengals Draft Needs
Bengals QB Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals have been skyrocketing since drafting their franchise quarterback/wide receiver duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’mar Chase. While no one will ever complain about winning, they are doing it at a higher level than anyone anticipated. Burrow showed he can elevate the play of his entire team, while leading a team with obvious holes to Super Bowl LVI. They seem to have found promising young stars in their recent drafts helping them achieve success. However they need to be looking to the future as free agency and the NFL Draft are just around the corner.
Right Guard
The Bengals have been putting together an offensive line constructed of rising rookies and seasoned veterans. However, this is their weakest position group, with the worst of the bunch being right guard. With Joe Burrow and all of the offensive weapons already playing at a high level, the offensive line play is going to have to catch up. As we saw in Super Bowl LVI, they were clearly no match for the Los Angeles Rams star studded front.
With veteran Quinton Spain only on a one year deal, I feel that this would be a position to fill with a top pick in the draft. The Bengals may even trade up to secure a talent worthy of protecting Burrow. Currently playing right guard is Hakeem Adeniji, a 6th rounder from 2020. He is normally a left guard and it would be easy for him to make the switch to the other side. Thus creating a position battle as rookie D’Ante Smith will be returning from IR next season.
Cornerback
It’s no question that the Bengals have a strong secondary. Since most of their starters are still under contract, they don’t need a day one impact player. They do on the other hand, need to think about their depth; having players under contract it is a good time to develop other players under your veterans. Vernon Hargreaves lll and Chidobe Awuzie signed four year contracts this off season. However, their other veteran, Eli Apple is a free agent this offseason. This leaves the decision to resign Apple, who has clearly been a liability at times, or draft and develop another rookie under veteran leadership.
Defensive Tackle
While not all teams run a 4-3 defense, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo chooses to have an extra defensive lineman to help with the run game. While they signed DJ Reader to a 4 year deal this offseason, his counterpart Larry Ogunjobi is only on a one year contract. This makes him a free agent and one that may be highly sought after. With the Bengals having three strong linemen on their defensive front, adding one more dominant force could provide even more pressure on opposing offenses.
Final Thoughts On Bengals Draft Needs
Unfortunately, the Bengals surprise run to Super Bowl LVI is going to make the task slightly harder on Owner/GM Mike Brown. They will now have to find value with their 31st selection, or trade away assets for a higher pick in the draft. With this being said, the Bengals front office is going to have to get creative while choosing at the back of the draft along with making a splash in free agency. Don’t be surprised if quality players want to join the young tandem of Burrow and Chase. Yes, even Cincinnati may now be a highly sought after destination.
Who to Target
Boston College OL Zion Johnson
With the NFL Combine beginning in just a few days, I believe we will begin to get a better idea of where players may go in the draft. As I mentioned, free agency should be a major factor for the Bengals as well, seeing how they have almost $50 million in cap space according to overthecap.com. They will likely target O line help there. Andrew Norwell or even All-Pro Brandon Scherff are possibilities. If not, the draft has players like Kendrick Green or Zion Johnson. Both of whom may be available at the end of the first. Burrow was the most sacked QB in the NFL and they need to protect their young cornerstone.
One player I think would be a great fit next to DJ Reader is Ohio State DT Haskell Garrett. Garrett may be a viable option at one of their next picks. As for cornerback, this draft is very deep at the position. Teams could add quality depth late on day 2 or even on day 3. One late round sleeper who stands out to me is Joshua Williams of Fayetteville State. Whichever route they go, the Bengals are most definitely in better shape then in years past. Bengals fans should be excited to see what will happen next.
Bengals Draft Needs Analyst-Jair Garcia.
