TEAM: Cincinnati Bengals
Overall Draft Grade: B
CLASS OVERVIEW
Total Picks: 7
Primary Needs Entering Draft: Edge Rusher, Cornerback, Offensive Line depth, Defensive Line depth, Wide Receiver depth
Positions Addressed: G, C, EDGE, DT, WR, CB, TE
Summary:
The Cincinnati Bengals attacked this draft with the purpose of bolstering their power in the trenches and adding depth throughout their roster. They did exactly that with the trade for Dexter Lawrence just a week before the draft. During the draft, they drafted for depth at multiple positions of need, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines, as that has been a huge hole in this team since they drafted Joe Burrow out of LSU. Cincinnati also added some much needed help at the receiver and cornerback rooms, as those groups continue to be thin year in and year out. They found players with great schematic fits and high upside, assisting with their look on their long-term roster plan. Overall, this draft had very few reaches and highlighted development and depth at solid value.
PICK-BY-PICK BREAKDOWN
Round 2, Pick 41 – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Evaluation: Explosive, high upside edge with excellent bend, burst and active hands.
- Value: Addressed depth at a position of need and got good value out of a guy that many thought was a first round talent.
- Scheme Fit: Fits nicely in rotation and against obvious passing downs with his speed and explosiveness.
- Projected Role: Rotational edge rusher with starting upside, and needed development against the run.
Round 3, Pick 72 – Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
- Evaluation: Long and physical corner with the athletic ability to stick with almost any receiver in man coverage, and can even make plays in run support.
- Value: Underrated talent and good value in the third round, but does have injury concerns.
- Scheme: Will need to refine his skillset in zone in order to adapt to the split field looks that the Bengals use schematically.
- Projected Role: Rotational boundary corner and special teams contributor.
Round 3, Pick 80 – Connor Lew, C, Auburn
- Evaluation: Highly skilled center who possesses good leverage, balance, and hand placement to win at the point of attack.
- Value: Excellent value for the pick in question. With his maturity, technical ability, and potential, he is a solid choice.
- Scheme Fit: Fits perfectly into Cincinnati’s zone-run scheme and adds depth to a position where there were question marks.
- Projected Position: Starting center down the road.
Round 4, Pick 140 – Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
- Evaluation: Big body outside receiver who possesses great size, after-the-catch ability, football IQ and developmental potential as a boundary receiver
- Value: Definitely a reach for the Bengals and could have gotten him two rounds later.
- Scheme Fit: Can work as a developmental boundary receiver who can see playing time in contested ball situations and in 10 personnel.
- Future Role: WR4/WR5 with special teams snaps.
Round 6, Pick 189 – Brian Parker, OG, Duke
- Evaluation: Powerful lineman with versatility at guard and tackle. Generates displacement in the run game and has a well-rounded skillset as a run and pass blocker.
- Value: Very good value pick and possibly the best value pick for Cincinnati in this draft.
- Scheme Fit: Fits as a developmental swing lineman who can play multiple spots along the offensive line.
- Future Role: Main backup tackle and guard with future starter potential.
Round 7, Pick 221 – Jack Endries, TE, Texas
- Evaluation: Athletic and versatile tight end who can line up anywhere in various roles as a receiver and as a blocker. He possesses the athletic ability to be a threat downfield and can handle himself in heavier personnel sets.
- Value: Worthwhile later in the draft due to his versatility in terms of how he can be utilized in the Bengals’ scheme.
- Scheme Fit: Can be used in multiple tight end formations and will be versatile as an H-back or wing.
- Project Role: TE3 and special teamer with the tools to be a solid future starter.
Round 7, Pick 226 – Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
- Evaluation: Has high-end quickness, motor, and hand tenacity for an undersized interior defensive lineman. Creates consistent pressure on the inside.
- Value: Great value due to his production and pass rush improvement. He provides much more potential than what is typically expected from late 7th-round picks.
- Scheme Fit: Well suited to be an inside rusher in rotation.
- Future Role: Rotational defensive tackle.
TOP ADDITION
Cashius Howell, EDGE
The most valuable player for Cincinnati is Cashius Howell, who comes in with an array of skills that almost exactly resembles those of Trey Hendrickson, who had just left the team this off-season. The quickness off the ball, the pass-rushing techniques, and the capability of winning in one-on-one situations will allow the defense to have an extra element of pressure off the edge. It is not reasonable to assume Howell will replace Hendrickson’s production immediately, but he absolutely has the skillset to produce at a high level.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
Tacario Davis, CB
Tacario Davis might be the most physically gifted corner in this entire draft class with the length, reach, and athleticism to flourish at the next level. On the flipside of that, there have been continuous concerns around his growth and his durability. Davis sustained multiple key injuries during his time at Arizona and Washington, which limited his consistency on the field. Additionally, his zone awareness and discipline will need some refinement in order to transition into a defense that employs more split-field looks and prides itself on zone discipline. This pick is a question mark because Tacario Davis has all the potential in the world to elevate the Bengals’ secondary, but also for it to remain as inconsistent as it’s been over the past few years.
SLEEPER PICK
Brian Parker, OG
Brian Parker II has a legitimate chance to end up beating his draft slot, mainly because he’s pretty flexible, produces consistently, and carries that solid, well-rounded skill profile. The fact he can line up at tackle as well as guard boosts his value a lot, and the way his run-blocking plus pass-blocking grades look suggests a player who can play at a solid and consistent level, sooner rather than later.
SCHEME AND ROSTER FIT ANALYSIS
Scheme Alignment
The Bengals went into this draft with a clear goal of improving the trenches on both sides as well as adding depth across the roster. clearly tried to beef up both trenches throughout this draft. Cashius Howell and Landon Robinson give that defensive front some needed depth, quickness and athleticism. Meanwhile, Connor Lew and Brian Parker II add the long-term stability that this offensive line needs for the future. In terms of skill positions, Jack Endries and Colbie Young add great size and versatility in a pass-heavy offense centered around Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Now with added depth throughout the roster, the Bengals can stay flexible and injury-resistant on defense while dominating in an offense that is combining spread and heavier personnel packages.
Roster Impact
Not only does this draft fill gaps where necessary, but it helps Cincinnati look toward its future in critical spots. With Cashius Howell, the Bengals have an edge rusher who is going to be able to use his speed and rush skills to contribute as a replacement for some of what the team got from Trey Hendrickson. Additionally, Tacario Davis is an extra body at a spot that could use development to find more solid answers. The cornerback room has been questionable and inconsistent for years, and they need some help alongside DJ Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt. On offense, Connor Lew and Brian Parker II are additional linemen who can help long-term up front. Then, Colbie Young and Jack Endries give the offense blocking and pass-catching threats that can make the entire unit more versatile.
Positional Value
Cincinnati should be commended for emphasizing premium picks across the board, especially when it comes to edge rusher, cornerback, and offensive linemen. Picks such as Cashius Howell, Tacario Davis, Connor Lew, and Brian Parker II not only fill crucial gaps but also possess different potential and offer roster versatility. On the other hand, it cannot be ignored that the Colbie Young selection was a reach and definitely weakened the grade of the entire class.
FINAL TAKE
Cincinnati came into the draft looking to improve its depth, bolster its trenches, and take players to develop at a number of positions. With Cashius Howell, Cincinnati gains a player with an explosive burst, speed, and the ability to pressure the quarterback that can replace some of the production Cincinnati has been missing after losing Trey Hendrickson. The addition of Connor Lew and Brian Parker II provides the Bengals with much-needed depth on the offensive line. While there have been several value picks by the Bengals, the reach to take Colbie Young and take developmental players limits the floor of this class. Overall, this class earns a “B” grade.
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