They have a RT, what now?
Day one is over, and wasn’t it a crazy ride?
The Cincinnati Bengals got their man in Round 1 with Amarius Mims. You can cross right tackle off the board, but where will the Bengals go in Rounds 2 and 3?
Here are some of the best players left heading into Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Defensive Tackles
Well, it happened. Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton slipped out of the first round. Newton is a fantastic pass rusher who consistently penetrates the offensive backfield. He could be exactly what the Bengals have been looking for defensively.
If you miss out on Johnny, that’s alright. Ohio State’s Michael Hall brings a lot of speed to the defensive interior and is very smooth when stunting into other gaps. Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro has explosive leg drive and can win with speed or power.
The guy I’m really excited about is Brandon Dorlus. He played wide in Oregon’s defense, but he has all the makings of a dominant three-technique in the NFL. He is an absolute killer against both the pass and the run. He wins fast hands, quick feet, and power.
Michigan’s Kris Jenkins and LSU’s Maason Smith also have the requisite physical tools and could be in play for the Bengals on Day 2.
Cornerbacks
It’s surprising that Kool-Aid McKinstry is still on the board, it’s shocking that Cooper DeJean is. Either would be a great fit for the Bengals with the potential to make an immediate impact.
Both are technicians with great speed and very well-developed skill sets for the position. Alabama’s McKinstry is a tough physical player. Iowa’s DeJean brings versatility and some amazing ball skills. He is also an excellent return specialist.
The cluster after those two includes Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa and Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr, but if it were me, I would take another Georgia Bulldog in Kamari Lassiter. He makes fantastic reads and has the speed to make the play.
Wide Receiver
Georgia’s Ladd McConkey is a special player. He can play on the outside, but he will be dominant in the slot. McConkey is a phenomenal route runner with incredibly natural hands. He would bring a new dynamic to this Bengals offense.
The biggest thing I can say about Texas’s Adonai Mitchell is that whenever I went to watch his former teammate and now Kansas City Chiefs first-round selection Xavier Worthy, my eyes were consistently drawn to Mitchell. Worthy is fast, but Mitchell is quick. He runs great routes and could be an AC/DC threat for the Bengals offense.
The Bengals could definitely look for a bigger player with versatility and the ability to block as well. Florida State’s Keon Coleman has some Tee Higgins in him. He doesn’t have great testing numbers, but he beats defenses deep and is incredible with contested catches.
Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk and UCF Javon Baker also bring big-play potential and could be available a little later in the night.
Tight Ends
Brock Bowers fell, but not far enough. That leaves Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott as the next biggest name on the board. Sinnott is an h-back type who is an excellent blocker. He has soft hands, and his testing numbers were off the chart. A former walk-on, Sinnott, has the fight you are looking for and could develop into a star.
Less talked about is Texas Christian’s Jared Wiley. He has great speed and can leave defenders in the dust. He also has the savvy to find openings in the zone coverages and get himself open.
Interior Offensive Line
The versatile Jackson Powers-Johnson remains on the board, and the Oregon center/guard would be yet another big addition to the Bengals front.
Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe is a people mover and a fantastic fit for the Bengals.
West Virginia center Zack Frazier would bring the toughness that Frank Pollack covets and could be an eventual replacement for Ted Karras.
Don’t count out Michigan guard Zak Zinter either. Despite his injury, he would be a great addition on Friday night.
Running Backs
The three biggest names at the running back position heading into the draft were Jaylen Wright, Jonathan Brooks, and Trey Benson. Heading into Round 2, nothing has changed. The Volunteer, the Longhorn, and the Seminole are all still on the board. If the Bengals want one, they can have their pick.
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