The Cincinnati Bengals are the second team in our mock draft series. So far, we have done just the Chicago Bears. But, for Cincinnati, they had a solid draft themselves. Let’s recap who they selected and give them an overall grade.
Round 1, Pick 18: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
With Orlando Brown Jr and Trent Brown as the starting tackles, some questioned the move to grab Mims at 18th overall. But, the Georgia product has the tools to succeed as a starter sooner rather than later. At 6’8″, 340 lbs, he’s an eye-popping presence and is explosive from the snap.
Oh, and in 372 pass snaps, he allowed zero sacks. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Great pick by the Cincinnati Bengals as they continue to make sure their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow is protected now and in the future.
Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 49: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
One of my favorite defensive tackles in the draft, Jenkins heads to Cincinnati where he improves that defensive line unit immediately. Last season, the Bengals allowed 126 rushing yards per game to opponents (sixth-worst in the league).
The former Wolverine immediately helps fix the issue. Along with Sheldon Rankins, they’ll form a solid duo on the line. His strength and size will help him shed off blockers and make plays at the line of scrimmage at an elite level. Though he only had four sacks during his time at Michigan, his quickness could help him develop more into a pass rusher.
For a team that lost D.J. Reader in free agency, he was a great pick in round two.
Grade: A-
Round 3, Pick 80: WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
The former Crimson Tide receiver has great speed and acceleration off the line. Along with his dependable hands, he knows how to get past coverage on vertical routes and leave defenders in the dust.
His playmaking ability will fit well with the Cincinnati Bengals, who need a wideout after Tyler Boyd left in free agency and Tee Higgins on the franchise tag. To get one of the few “day one” starters left on the board was a great decision by the front office.
Grade: B+
Round 3, Pick 96: DL McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
The Cincinnati Bengals continue to improve their defensive line, selecting Jackson with their other third-round pick. Since 2022, he had a total of 34 run stops, with 14 of them resulting in either no gain or a loss.
For his size, he is quick and has strong hands to get past blocks. The run defense continues to get better, thanks to the selections of both himself and Jenkins earlier in the draft. A guy that is 330 pounds and slippery? Sign me up.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 115: TE Erick All, Iowa
The Hawkeye tight end struggled with injuries in the past two seasons. But, when healthy, he’s one of the best at his position. As a route runner, he is smooth and runs well.
Though he will be behind Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson on the depth chart, he could compete for the TE2 from the jump. He can make people miss, something you don’t usually hear from a tight end.
A potential long-term starter, All was a solid choice in round four.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 149: CB Josh Newton, TCU
His 2022 season was better compared to his tape in 2023. But, you can’t teach experience. Newton played more than 1,700 snaps in the past two seasons combined and played in 58 games at both Lousiana-Monroe and TCU.
The cornerback has fast feet and can flip his hips quickly which will help him in press coverage. He is at his best in man coverage, compared to zone (56.8 zone coverage grade in 2023).
With just one touchdown allowed last season, it is intriguing to see how much playing time he will get from the jump. But, the talent is there for him to be successful over time.
Grade: C+
Round 6, Pick 194: TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
Another tight end to Cincinnati. The Wildcat is dependable, presented by no drops in 2023 even after being targeted 45 times.
Like All, he has decent speed and can accelerate well while making defenders miss. A common theme here with the tight ends. He can be a threat over the middle and is overall another big target for Joe Burrow to throw to.
Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 214: ED Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss
Johnson’s size and speed stand out on tape. His ability to set the edge and close in pursuit shows how impactful he can be.
Though he won’t be a starter from the jump, his 107 pressures in the past three seasons show he could eventually be a starter because of his production in college and ability to play some coverage too.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 224: S Daijhan Anthony, Ole Miss
Undersized as he may be, he can make a difference in the slot/nickelback. He is quick to break on passes and is a solid tackler. Anthony had three interceptions in 2023 for the Rebels and reads routes well.
He isn’t the most athletic in the world, but his smarts will help combat that. It helps he has long arms too to help make plays on the ball.
Grade: C
Round 7, Pick 237: C Matt Lee, Miami (FL)
A depth piece, Lee showed solid awareness in run blocking and didn’t allow a sack last season. His 89.1 PFF pass-blocking grade was among the best in college football in 2023 and will battle to be the backup center this upcoming season for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Grade: C
OVERALL GRADE: B+
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