Round 1: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (No. 18 overall)
Round 2: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan (No. 49)
Round 3: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama (No. 80) | McKinnley Jackson, NT, Texas A&M (No. 97)
Round 4: Erick All, TE, Iowa (No. 115)
Round 5: Josh Newton, DB, TCU (No. 149)
Round 6: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona (No. 194) | Cedric Johnson, DE, Mississippi (No. 214)
Round 7: Daijahn Anthony (No. 224), DB, Mississippi | Matt Lee, C, Miami (No. 237)
Realistically, the Bengals carried just one clear need into the draft: receiver. They deserve credit for not forcing the issue, though, instead addressing a future – and arguably, more important – hole along the offensive line by selecting Mims, who serves two purposes. Cincinnati can afford him time to grow before asking Mims to handle full-time duties, and as the Bengals have learned too often in recent years, depth is essential along the offensive line. They got both by choosing Mims and waiting to select a receiver. In between, the Bengals added a quality defensive tackle in Jenkins, who will join a defensive front that will require a committee approach to replace D.J. Reader. Two for two. And as it pertains to receiver, the Bengals took a slot man in Burton, who should fit in perfectly as a complement to both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. I expect Burton to pop up on the highlight reel as a frequent target on explosive plays, much like he did at Alabama. From there, the Bengals shifted their approach toward depth, spending a healthy serving of picks to add players with promise at tight end – fittingly, the tight end-friendly Bengals selected two at the position, including a low-risk addition of a Daniel Jeremiah favorite at the position in McLachlan – defensive tackle, edge rusher, corner, safety and naturally, center. While this class might lack splash picks, it’s a well-rounded group that should serve the Bengals well both in 2024 and beyond.
2024-04-30 17:53:00
#Steelers #aid #quarterback #duo #Ravens #add #key #starters #depth
