Cincinnati Bengals (Last Year: 9-8)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: It seems like an annual requirement for the Bengals to improve their offensive line, but that’s the case yet again. Joe Burrow is not protected well, so that must change. The Bengals must also address their secondary, which lost plenty of talent recently, and defensive tackle because of the D.J. Reader departure.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: J.C. Latham was atop Cincinnati’s wishlist, but he was chosen 11 picks earlier. Amarius Mims was the second option, yet the Bengals somehow obtained him at No. 18. Mims was a great bargain at that spot, and he should be able to bolster Burrow’s blocking, which has been insufficient for far too long.
The Bengals were hoping for T’Vondre Sweat in the second round, but he was also plucked off the board before they were on the clock. They went with a smaller defensive tackle instead, obtaining Kris Jenkins. Needing a true nose tackle, they tried McKinnley Jackson at the end of the third. I didn’t like that pick as much, but perhaps Jenkins and Jackson, who specialize in different traits, can team up to duplicate what Reader produced in the past.
Of Cincinnati’s nine picks, eight scored as a “B” or higher, and six earned “A” grades. There were many great values, including fifth-rounder Josh Newton, who should be able to help the pass defense sooner rather than later. There was also Tanner McLachlan, who, along with Erick All, gives Cincinnati a chance to have a play-maker over the middle of the field for the first time since the Tyler Eifert days. And speaking of play-makers, Jermaine Burton was a solid receiver choice in the third frame.
I love what the Bengals did. They addressed positions of need and made improvements to their roster. Burrow should be thrilled for the added protection and weaponry, while defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will be happy to work with his new toys.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
18. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia – A Grade
This was Cincinnati’s second-preferred player at this spot, with J.C. Latham being the first. You have to love this pick because Cincinnati is making it to protect Joe Burrow. Mims is an immense talent with a high ceiling, so Burrow has to love this selection.
49. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan – A Grade
The Bengals wanted T’Vondre Sweat, but Sweat being chosen ahead of schedule is a blessing in disguise because this is a better player. Kris Jenkins could have easily snuck into the end of the first round, so this is a great value pick that fills a big need.
80. Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama – B Grade
Jermaine Burton has some character concerns, but that never bothered the Bengals. It could be argued that Burton is worth the risk in this spot, especially given that the Bengals need some receivers as replacements for departed players.
97. McKinnley Jackson, NT, Mississippi State – C Grade
The Bengals are making a big reach for McKinnley Jackson here because they missed out on T’Vondre Sweat. I don’t hate this pick because Jackson potentially fills a big need as a run-stuffer, but he’s not a very good player.
115. Erick All, TE, Iowa – B+ Grade
Another Iowa tight end is never a bad thing. The Bengals haven’t had much talent at the position since the Tyler Eifert days, so I’m sure Joe Burrow will like having an improved weapon over the middle of the field.
149. Josh Newton, CB, TCU – A Grade
The Bengals were hoping to land Max Melton earlier, but here’s another cornerback who will help their ailing secondary. Josh Newton was considered a Round 3-4 prospect, so this is a solid value pick for Cincinnati, which also fills a big need.
194. Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona – A Grade
This is Cincinnati’s second tight end, but we’ve seen teams have success drafting two tight ends in the past. Tanner McLachlan was very productive at Arizona, and I thought he’d go two rounds earlier than this.
214. Cedric Johnson, DE, Ole Miss – A Grade
I wouldn’t have been too upset had Cedric Johnson gone in the third round. Johnson is an athletic edge player, and he is a tremendous steal by the Bengals, who needed an edge rusher with Trey Hendrickson asking for a trade or threatening retirement.
224. Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss – B Grade
Daijahn Anthony is a limited player as far as size and speed are concerned. He was a quality player at Ole Miss, but he’ll likely be a career backup and a special-teamer.
237. Matt Lee, C, Miami – A Grade
More offensive line help is always welcome in Cincinnati, and I’m sure Joe Burrow is happy about this pick. The Bengals are getting a good value here, as Matt Lee was projected in the middle of Day 3.
Season Summary:
The Bengals looked like the best team in the NFL at one point during the season, but things quickly changed when Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury. Jake Browning looked good at times, but he obviously couldn’t duplicate what Burrow was capable of in tough matchups.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Right Tackle: Jonah Williams was really out of place at right tackle. He’s a free agent, but an upgrade was needed anyway. Signed Trent Brown
- Guard: More help for an offensive line that must do a better job of protecting Joe Burrow.
- Safety: The Bengals were terrible against the pass last year. Safety was a big issue with Jessie Bates gone. Signed Vonn Bell and Geno Stone
- Wide Receiver: Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are both set to hit free agency. One should be re-signed. A replacement would obviously need to be found if both leave. Franchised Tee Higgins
- Cornerback: Chidobe Awuzie is another important free agent. The Bengals will be very weak at cornerback if they don’t retain him.
- Defensive Tackle: The Bengals must replace D.J. Reader if they don’t re-sign him. Signed Sheldon Rankins
- Tight End: It’s been a while since the Bengals have had great production at tight end. Signed Mike Gesicki
- Punter: Brad Robbins was one of the worst punters in the NFL last year.
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2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Cincinnati Bengals Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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