The Cincinnati Bengals’ performance in the first two days of the draft has earned them a grade of B+. Their picks have shown promise and have the potential to make an immediate impact and have long-term potential in key positions.
Amarius Mims, the offensive tackle from Georgia, was a favorite pick for the Bengals. Despite not playing much in college, Mims possesses all the qualities of a starting tackle and could be a strong presence on the Bengals’ offensive line if he can stay healthy. This pick solidifies their offensive line with an elite player who has long-term potential.
On the other hand, McKinnley Jackson, the defensive tackle from Texas A&M, was not as well received by the Bengals. While they needed depth on their interior defense, Jackson may not be explosive enough to justify his early selection. He will likely only be a run-down player, making this pick seem premature.
The Bengals made a total of ten draft picks during these two days. In addition to Amarius Mims in the first round and McKinnley Jackson in the third round, they also picked up Kris Jenkins and Jermaine Burton in rounds two and three respectively. They also added players like Erick All, Josh Newton, Tanner McLachlan, Cedric Johnson, Daijahn Anthony, and Matt Lee to fill various positions and add depth to their roster. Overall, these choices should benefit the team in both the short term and long term.