@cincy_world
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2024 NFL Draft in an interesting spot. Having star players Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson request trades, as well as a glaring need to protect star QB Joe Burrow, the Bengals desperately needed a home-run draft to continue moving in the right direction. Although I don’t think they necessarily did that, their draft was very solid and could have some later-round diamonds in the rough.
Round 1: Amarius Mims, OT Grade: A
At the current state of the Bengals, being able to land a tackle of Amarius Mims caliber is an incredible value at pick 18. Mims didn’t play a lot of snaps in college but when he did he was great. He is no doubt a plug-and-play starter and has incredible upside to boot. The scheme fit is clearly great too, I love this pick for Cincy.
Round 2: Kris Jenkins, IDL Grade: B-
Kris Jenkins in the second round was a reach to me, but he is still a good player. I had a third round grade on him, and the interior defensive line class as a whole was pretty bad, not to mention it being a need for Cincinnati, but I still just don't love it. Jenkins is a guy that I think is a solid 2nd defensive tackle in the league so it's far from a disaster pick but I would have gone elsewhere if I was the Bengals.
Round 3: Jermaine Burton, WR Grade: A
Jermaine Burton had major off-the-field concerns and probably would have been a 2nd round pick if not for the major off-the-field trouble. This is about the range that I think is right for Burton, and if he can figure things out I think he has potential to be the Tee Higgins replacement in Cincinnati. Very talented player with a large range of outcomes.
Round 3: McKinnley Jackson, IDL Grade: C
McKinnley Jackson was a guy that I liked at the senior bowl a lot and I thought I was going to be a fan of. However, when I got to his tape I was just not impressed at all. I still think there's some upside with Jackson, but I ended up with a 5th-6th round grade on him and think taking him in the third round is pretty early.
Round 4: Erick All, TE Grade: B
Erick All was a fringe top-10 tight end for me in this class. 4th round is a touch early for me but this is fine. He dealt with a lot of injuries in college, including an ACL tear, but he had good production when he was able to stay on the field.
Round 5: Josh Newton, CB Grade: C+
Josh Newton had a pretty bad 2023 tape but a lot of people on draft twitter and other social media sites claim that he was good in 2022. I personally have yet to check out his 2022 tape, but if you are interested I suggest you do. Newton is not a particularly good athlete and is undersized, I probably would have gone elsewhere.
Round 6: Tanner McLauchlin, TE Grade: A+
I actually had a higher grade on the Bengals 6th round tight end Tanner McLauchlin then Erick All. McLauchlin is a really good athlete and a good route runner. They signed Mike Gesicki and I mentioned in my positional rankings that McLauchlin reminded me a lot of a guy like Gesicki where they could split him out wide or in the slot and utilize his skills as a receiver. Not much of a blocker though. Interesting stash in deep dynasty football leagues for sure and my favorite selection of theirs in this draft.
Round 6: Cedric Johnson, EDGE Grade: A
I had a late 5th on Cedric Johnson so this was a good value pick to me. Good depth at a premium position and has great athletic upside.
Round 7: Daijahn Anthony, S Grade: B
Daijan Anthony, I didn’t really love, I didn’t finish actually quantifying my grade on him but he was a draftable prospect in my eyes, and probably contributes on special teams, this is a fine pick.
Round 7: Matt Lee, IOL Grade: A
Matt Lee was a guy that I had a late 5th-early 6th-round grade on. Getting him in the 7th round I think is a fantastic pick on a guy that can be actually useful depth at offensive line.
Final Grade: B+
