The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2024 NFL Draft with many question marks. They had many positional needs and the futures of Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson were up in the air. In the end, they held onto both players and had a very productive draft.
The Bengals look to bounce back after missing the playoffs and this draft was an auspicious start.
Best Pick
Jermaine Burton (Round 3, Pick 80)
With Tyler Boyd being a free agent and Tee Higgins requesting a trade, the Bengals had a void in the receiver room. They decided to beef it up with Jermaine Burton, and it was amazing value. Burton enters as a Day 1 starter, replacing Tyler Boyd in the slot. He possesses elite top speed, able to take the top off of defenses. With Ja’Marr Chase taking most of the defense’s attention, Burton will thrive as a second or third option. Pairing Joe Burrow‘s extraordinary arm talent with Burton’s deep-threat upside was an excellent choice.
Grade: A
Joe Burrow to Jermaine Burton🏈🏈🏈 #Bengals pic.twitter.com/Roj3eMgMVS
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) May 22, 2024
Worst Pick
McKinnley Jackson (Round 3, Pick 97)
The Bengals mainly focused on the interior defensive line in this draft, taking two on Day 2, including McKinnley Jackson. With his athleticism, he boasts high upside. However, he’s extremely undersized and doesn’t have the stoutness to pay off the draft capital. With his lackluster run defense ability, he will likely play purely on obvious passing downs. There are flashes all over his tape, but this was a major reach.
Grade: D
McKinnley Jackson (68) and Kris Jenkins (90) get their first practice with Bengals Friday. pic.twitter.com/k4tXdwXrx0
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 10, 2024
Sleeper Pick
Josh Newton (Round 5, Pick 149)
The Bengals already have three starting-caliber cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II, and Mike Hilton. However, you can never have too many corners. Newton provides much-needed depth behind these three. He’s a scheme fit who thrives in zone coverage, which is what the Bengals’ defense runs the most. With his physicality and instincts, don’t be surprised if he finds ways to earn playing time.
Grade: A
Bengals fifth round draft pick Josh Newton (TCU). pic.twitter.com/PS9NZvRuvj
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) May 10, 2024
Summary
After a quiet free agency, the Bengals looked towards the draft to turn them back to their playoff form. Overall, they did a great job replacing players who left and addressing pressing needs.
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