CINCINNATI BENGALS: B+

1 (18): T Amarius Mims, Georgia
2 (49): DI Kris Jenkins, Michigan
3 (80): WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
3 (96): DI McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
4 (115): TE Erick All, Iowa
5 (149): CB Josh Newton, TCU
6 (194): TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
6 (214): EDGE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss
7 (224): S Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss
7 (237): C Matt Lee, Miami Fl.

Mims — Cincinnati beefs up its pass protection in front of Joe Burrow by adding the massive Mims. He’s a fantastic athlete for his size but struggled with injuries at Georgia. Regardless, he allowed just six quarterback pressures across 402 career pass-blocking snaps and should start very soon, as Trent Brown is only a short-term solution at right tackle.

Jenkins — Jenkins is arguably the pound-for-pound strongest player in the draft. His 87.2 run-defense grade since 2022 ranked fifth among Power Five interior defenders, while his 82.7 PFF grade in 2023 ranked third among Big Ten interior defenders. Jenkins lacks length and an ideal pass-rush package, but his power alone will have him on the field on Sundays.

Burton — Despite sliding a bit due to some off-field concerns, Burton has a three-level skill set with great explosiveness and impressive ball skills. He didn’t drop any of his 57 targets this past season and could be a solid complement to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins from Day 1 due to his downfield playmaking ability.

Jackson — Jackson projects as a nose or three-technique in a 4-3 defensive scheme because he excels as a one-gap penetrator. He’s limited by a lack of length, but that didn’t stop him from racking up 34 run stops since 2022 (third-most in the SEC) with 14 of them for no gain or loss (fifth in the SEC). He’ll need to learn to hold up to double team blocks and develop a pass-rush repertoire, but he can be successful in a rotation.

All — The Bengals find a potential long-term starter in the fourth round, with All ranking as the third-best tight end on the PFF big board. His 2.62 yards per route in 2023 ranked second among draft-eligible tight ends.

Newton — Ranking 12th among Big-12 cornerbacks, Newton earned an 87.7 PFF grade combined over the past two seasons. Across 413 coverage snaps last year, he allowed just one touchdown.

McLachlan — The Bengals doubled up on tight ends by adding the safe-handed McLachlan. He didn’t drop a single pass from 45 catchable targets in 2023. His 530 receiving yards and four touchdowns were both career highs.

Johnson — Johnson has a solid size-speed combination for an edge defender this late in the draft and offered solid production in his final season in college. From 850 pass-rushing snaps over the past three seasons, he racked up 107 quarterback pressures, including 13 sacks.

Anthony — Anthony allowed just one touchdown across 394 coverage snaps in 2023. Opposing quarterbacks managed a passer rating of just 54.7 when targeting him in coverage.

Lee — Lee was exceptional in 2023 with the Hurricanes, ranking 10th among FBS centers in PFF grade (79.1). He didn’t allow a single sack on 414 pass-blocking snaps, and his 89.1 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked third among FBS centers. Lee is well worth a swing here for the Bengals, a team that continues to find value late in the draft.

The Bengals 2024 draft class grade ⬇️https://t.co/QeZRiLA6ae

— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) April 27, 2024

Competition for Brad Robbins. From Austin McNamara's bio: "Ended his five-year career as Texas Tech’s punter with a 45.91 average, the highest in Texas Tech and Big 12 Conference history. His average ranked 10th in NCAA FBS history among punters with at least 150 career punts." https://t.co/aJ6gSQR2mS

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 27, 2024

per Zac in his post-draft press conference

Zac Taylor says Dax Hill will be in the CB room.

Says Hill will compete at outside CB, as well, then see how it works out. Taylor says he believes Hill can start.

"That versatility is what made him the pick that he was. Lot of flexibility there."

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 27, 2024

Our draft is over so it is time to turn our attention to those guys who are hoping that hard work and serendipity will bring them to the NFL.

I suspect we will see some RBs and CBs among this group as well as a punter to give Robbins some competition.

Singings can begin at the end of the complete draft but cannot be finalized until tomorrow after 4PM but the Bengals don't usually make their announcement team activities start up again.


4/28 morning updated list

They can sign up to 17 more players in addition to those already under contract or drafted

RB Elijah Collins (Oklahoma State)
RB Noah Cain (LSU)
QB Rocky Lombardi (Northern Illinois)
LB Aaron Casey (Indiana)
LB Maema Njongmjeta (Wisconsin)
OT Eric Miller (Louisville)
P Austin McNamara (Texas Tech)
WR Trey Mosley (Michigan State)
WR Cole Burgess (SUNY Cortland)
CB Lance Robinson (Tulane)
S P.J. Jules (Southern Illinois)
S Michael Dowell (Miami (OH))
ED Justin Blazek (Wisconsin-Platteville)
TE Cam Grandy (Illinois State)

Dude is tough. Leader. Could develop into a starter in a couple years.

Bengals go back to back on Ole Miss players. This Safety per CBS has the speed and just enough size to play in the slot. Leaper in ball skills. They say thumper strikes pop on film. So do Bengals have any Grey Poupon ? No, but they have Deijahn Anthony now.

ESPN says he has the size and talent to have been dominate at Ole Miss, but he just wasn't. An edge rusher on D Line that maybe Bengals can coach up and get more out of his size and talent. Worth a shot in round 6. Talent and Size, and should have been more dominate in college. Somebody for Bengals D Coaches to work with.

ESPN said maybe the best all around NFL type TE in draft behind Bowers, because he can block, catch, do it all. ESPN says Bengals loading up their TE room. This could be a real steal in round 6. GO BENGALS

5th Round pick 149 Overall
DB TCU
5'11" 190lbs
https://www.the33rdteam.com/josh-newton-2024-nfl-draft-combine-results-scouting-report-for-tcu-cb/

Newton was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2022 and second-team All-Big 12 in 2023. He finished his career with 152 tackles, 8 TFLs, 7 INTs and 36 PBUs.

In 2022, Newton had 491 coverage snaps and was targeted on 61 pass attempts, allowing only 21 completions (34.4 percent) for 321 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions and had 10 PBUs. He played from press alignment on only 162 of his 491 coverage snaps (33 percent of his snaps). Newton played more zone coverage than man (57 percent zone and 43 percent man).

In 2023, Newton had 389 coverage snaps, and he was targeted on 44 pass attempts, allowing 16 completions (36.4 percent) for 213 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded one interception and 14 PBUs (tied for fourth in the nation in PBUs).

Tight end from Iowa that will be a hell of a pick if he can stay healthy!

Early round talent but just had the health concerns!

I've seen comps to Michael Mayer but a better route runner!

I wanted a tight end earlier but he'll make up for it if he can stay healthy and I like our other picks, so I can't complain!

Who-Dey!