Draft Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals season was a complete failure as their 2-14 record can vouch for how bad their season went. The Bengals got their first win 16 weeks into their season and finished on a good note winning their season finale against the Browns. All the losing may have paid off as they were granted with the 1st overall pick in the 2020 draft. The Bengals have a total of 7 draft picks for the 2020 draft and hope to fill up their roster with some young talent. Here are some positional needs the Bengals must address in the draft.

Quarterback

Andy Dalton led the Bengals to the playoffs in 2016 but both the team and Dalton have been on the decline ever since. Cincinnati finished 30th for points scored, and 26th for total yards per game this past season. Cincinnati lacks star power in many positions, but their biggest problem is the quarterback position. The Bengals are lucky enough to have the 1st overall pick and with that, they have the opportunity of selecting Heisman winner Joe Burrow. Burrow threw for an impressive 5,671 and 60 touchdowns while leading LSU to a National Championship. Burrow amazing ability to breakdown defensive coverages mid-plays allow him to throw away from coverage and squeeze the ball between small gaps in the secondary is just what the Bengals need. With reports of Cincinnati moving on from Dalton gives Burrow the opportunity to become the starting quarterback week 1 of the 2020 season.

Offensive-Line

If Cincinnati hopes for Burrow can lead them to a playoff spot they will need to get Burrow some protection. The Bengal offensive line gave up 48 sacks which are 3 sacks per game ranking 24th amongst all teams. Last year the Bengals tried to resolve their offensive line problems by selecting offensive tackle Jonah Williams with the 11th overall pick. Williams would go on to miss his entire 2019 rookie season with a torn labrum. Cincinnati could look to add another piece to boost their line. One prospect Cincinnati should keep an eye on is an offensive tackle, Austin Jackson. At 6’5 and 332 lbs, Jackson is considered to be one of the most athletic linemen in the draft. Jackson has some of the best footwork along with the ability to get off his stance quickly. The most underrated thing about Jackson is the bully attitude he brings the attitude needed for an offensive line. Jackson is projected to be picked up in the 2nd or 3rd round if the Bengalis can get him in the 2nd round it would be a steal.

Wide Receivers

The Bengals recently placed the franchise tag on wide receiver A.J green who missed the entire 2019 season with a torn ligament in his ankle. Green has been the Bengals go-to receiver since 2011 but all good things must come to an end.

With Green missing all of the 2019 season and only playing 9 games throughout the 2018 season it looks as if the 31-year old’s body is begging to break down. Luckily for the Bengals this year, the wide receiver class is the deepest it has ever been. With top talents like CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Judy, Henry Ruggs III and Tee Higgins everyone’s quick to forget about the other prospects. A prospect, in particular, Cincinnati should keep an eye on is K.J Hill who was Ohio State’s go-to receiver when they needed a big-time play. Hill didn’t have the most receptions yards but when Ohio needed someone to step up Hill delivered every time. With one of the best hands in the draft, Cincinnati could get a real steal with Hill if they can trade up or see if he makes it to the 3rd round.