Murray has a realistic chance to develop into an upgrade at QB. That's a chance you have to take.
2. Nick Bosa, DE Ohio State
Potential all-pro defender to build the future defense around.
3. Quinnen Williams, DT Oklahoma
Ditto on the all-pro comment. And they could use an upgrade at the second DT starting slot where they've had a lot of injuries and mediocre play.
4. Ed Oliver, DT Houston
Again, potential all-pro defender. Sign me up. I paused on this one because I'm not sure how well Oliver fits next to Geno Atkins. In the end Oliver is too talented to pass up. Worst case you have a strong rotation and a shoe-in cornerstone of the defense for Atkins to pass the baton to in a couple of years.
5. Jawaan Taylor, OT Florida
RT might be Cincy's greatest position of need, and Taylor played RT in college. He's talented enough to move to LT if Cordy Glenn's injury woes continue.
6. T.J. Hockenson, TE Iowa
Analysts across the league are insisting the Bengals are going nowhere with the current roster and Zach Taylor should tear down the roster and start a new era with a new QB. After Murray's gone, there's just not enough QB talent worth chasing here. I think Taylor is going to take a different approach. Dalton needs support, but he's better than people are giving him credit. I think Taylor sees somebody like Hockenson sitting there and he's licking his chops. A blocking TE with solid receiving skills and the athleticism to threaten all levels of the defense would really unlock this offense. Roll out two tight end sets, wind up Joe Mixon, and let him go. Blend in play action with the tight end(s) sneaking out into routs and A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd doing their thing. I think they could surprise some people with how efficient they could be. Yes, they signed Tyler Eifert and C.J. Uzomah as free agents, but I don't think that stops them from making this pick. I think they need two or three guys that can start and Eifert is a bonus if they get another year or two out of him. It's iffy if Hockenson will fall to 11, but I have my fingers crossed.
7. Noah Fant, TE Iowa
I have Fant higher than a lot of people. Some people think he lacks consistency catching the ball and needs too much development to snag high in the first round. I saw him make some pretty impressive catches. He has room to grow obviously, but I think some of his issues in college were more about playing in an offense that had ADD and a bad quarterback. In a more focused role with a quarterback that can deliver the ball accurately and on time Fant is going to rack up catches and bring people to their knees with his athleticism. People also assume he's a receiver only. He's not a great blocker, but he's not a disaster either.
8. Cody Ford, OT Oklahoma
This is higher than most people have Ford, but he was a really strong RT in college that some think could move inside to guard if need be. The Bengals can't write off any more seasons because they weren't prepared for attrition on the O-line, and Bobby Hart is a better plan B than a plan A.
9. Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
I know, I know..I'm waffling on my OT rankings from the other day. I am bumping Williams ahead of Dillard. He's a little more proven and he has more versatility. If the TE's and the all-pro's are off the board, I think OT is their best bet.
10. D.K. Metcalf, WR Mississippi
Maybe the ghosts of the John Ross pick will keep them from taking another risky WR in the top 11, but the upside is too great for me. He has the athleticism to contribute right way and he can be groomed for a larger role in the post-A.J. Green era a few years down the line.
11. Clelin Ferrell, DE Clemson
DE isn't the greatest area of need, but I just think the LB's are a little overrated at this point. Pass rush talent is always a plus.
Picking 11th, they're guaranteed one of the players above will be available, but let's run through the options in case they trade down.
12. Montez Sweat, DE Mississippi St.
Best player available. I still consider DE a premium position.
13. Brian Burns, DE Florida State
Burns will need some time, but he could be a star to build around.
14. Andre Dillard, OT Washington State
Still some O-line talent left on the board.
15. Irv Smith, TE Alabama
Another TE with decent receiving skills that can block.
16. Rashan Gary, DE Michigan
Amazing athlete with tantalizing upside.
17. Devin White, LB LSU
I'd prefer to try to find a linebacker later, but at some point need and value are going to match up
18. Devin Bush, LB Michigan
19. Hakeem Butler, WR Iowa State
Similar to the Brian Burns pick, except with a WR
20. Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson
Cross off the DT need. Run defense might be a work in progress but, Wilkins playing next to Atkins on passing downs could turn into a scary combo.
21. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S Florida
Gardner-Johnson's closing speed along with Jessie Bates and William Jackson would be handy trying to match up with modern offenses.
22. Dalton Risner, OT Kansas State
I still have my questions about Risner, but I'd be okay with him in this range.
23. A.J. Brown, WR Mississippi
A versatile receiver might come in handy with Boyd and Green going into contract years.
24. Dexter Lawrence, DT Clemson
More stout run stuffer with some ability to penetrate. Might actually be a better fit fore their need than Wilkins.
25. Chris Lindstrom, G Boston College
Need to stay strong in the trenches.
26. Darnell Savage, S Maryland
Decent cover skills, outstanding in run support.
27. Marquise Brown, WR Oklahoma
Is this who they thought they were getting when they drafted John Ross?
28. Byron Murphy, CB Washington
With Jackson and Dennard in contract years, CB might be more of a need than you think.
29. Chase Winnovich, DE Michigan
Add some spark to the D-line.
30. Nasir Adderley, S Delaware
Upgrade the Shawn Williams slot. Slight downgrade against the run to boost the pass defense.
31. Daniel Jones, QB Duke
Maybe it'd be best to wait to see if he falls to round 2, but a backup plan at QB might be in the cards.
32. Jeffrey Simmons, DT Mississippi St.
If you trade down this far, you're kind of acknowledging a mini rebuild. Why not gamble on high-end talent that has to red shirt?
Note: I've left multiple center prospects off the board along with Josh Allen. I can't see them taking a center again and I'm not sure how well the guys available would fit at guard. I just don't think Allen fits in their scheme.
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