2019 marks the first time since 2003 that there is a new man leading the Cincinnati Bengals’ war room.
Zac Taylor was hired the day after the Super Bowl to replace Marvin Lewis and lead the Bengals into their new era. This will be the first test to see how and what Taylor values in his team.
Before selecting the picks, let’s look at team needs pre-free agency which opens in less than two weeks.
The Bengals are a mystery with Taylor, who will likely use his quarterback roots to draft a new quarterback to lead his new team.
In addition to quarterback, the positions of focus in the draft for the Bengals include linebacker, offensive tackle, interior offensive lineman, tight end, cornerback, defensive tackle, and wide receiver.
Round One: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
With this pick, Taylor makes a statement and find his guy. Murray is an interesting prospect and one who is trying to break through the size barrier. Murray has athleticism, arm strength, and accuracy to make an impact in the league. Some reports have linked Murray to the Cardinals at No. 1, while others believe he could be available to the Patriots at No. 32, so his draft position is clearly up in the air. This may allow Murray to fall to Cincinnati at No. 11.
Round Two: Devin Bush Jr., LB, Michigan
This will be the start of the Bengals building their defense inside-out. Bush was the leader and the field general of the defense at Michigan. He is a tackling machine with a quick first step which helps him shot the gap. Bush is a little undersized for the position, which could allow him to fall to the second round.
Round Three: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Along with the Bush pick, Jones will help strengthen the middle of the defense and help produce pressure on the opposing quarterback. Jones shows excellent hand technique and ability to beat lineman one-on-one. He needs to work on his run defense, which may allow him to fall into the third round.
Fourth Round: Dennis Daley, OT, South Carolina
When you draft a quarterback in the first round, you need to find guys up front to protect him. Daley is a big powerhouse of a lineman who is able to block his guy into the first row of the stands. He needs to work on his footwork in pass pro sets so he can set the edge against the speed rush.
Fifth Round: Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
Once again, you find guys to build around a young quarterback, and this pick displays that. Campbell will reset this offense the way Brandon Cooks did with the Los Angeles Rams this past season. With A.J. Green coming up on the final years of his current contract, the need to build up the receiving staff is growing by the minute. Campbell is a raw player that will need to work on his route-running and catching consistency.
Sixth Round: D’Cota Dixon, S, Wisconsin
The Bengals need to improve in the secondary with players who can tackle. Dixon is a player who is not afraid of going into the box and mixing it up to make tackles. He needs to work on his coverage skills in zone and man defenses. His way to stick on the team will show that he can play special teams, too.
Sixth Round: Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
The Bengals are set at running back with starter Joe Mixon but need better production behind him. Love is a well-rounded athlete who was an early pick to be in the Heisman race, but that never materialized. Love should have been selected in the first or second round but suffered a knee injury at the end of the season that will definitely hurt his draft stock.
Sixth Round: Nate Herbig, G, Stanford
This selection was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys
The Bengals need to improve their offensive line as a whole. This, plus the Daley pick, with help with that. Herbig has a huge frame with good mobility. He can hold his own in both the run and pass game. He may end up being more of a depth or reserve role but can play both right and left guard.
Sixth Round: Shareef Miller, DE, Penn State
This compensatory pick was awarded by the NFL for the loss of free agents Russell Bodine, Jeremy Hill, A.J. McCarron, Andre Smith, and Chris Smith
At this point in the draft, you start taking the best player available, or a player you think your coaches can develop. In this case, Cincy takes the best player available. He shows glimpses of flash and ability but needs to show more consistency.
Sixth Round: Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
This compensatory pick was awarded by the NFL for the loss of free agents Russell Bodine, Jeremy Hill, A.J. McCarron, Andre Smith, and Chris Smith
Moreland falls under the category of a player that the team may be able to develop. He showed that he belongs and can play with bigger college players at the East/West Shrine game.
Sixth Round: Kahlil Hodge, LB, Buffalo
This compensatory pick was awarded by the NFL for the loss of free agents Russell Bodine, Jeremy Hill, A.J. McCarron, Andre Smith, and Chris Smith
Hodge is a tackling machine, leading the MAC the past two seasons. In 2017, he was the second leading tackler in the country. He is a little undersized and will most likely play the weak side.
Seventh Round: Cody Thompson, WR, Toledo:
Similar to Moreland, Thompson is a player that can be developed. Thompson also displayed skills at the East/West Shrine practices.
3 Responses