Bengals’ free agency blows up what we think we know about No. 33

So much for guaranteeing what the Bengals do in the second round.

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Free agency has unexpectedly, dramatically altered the 2020 NFL draft outlook for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Starting in the second round at No. 33, of course.

That second-round pick — despite what national narratives might’ve tried to suggest — has long been the most interesting pick the Bengals hold this year.

But the front office threw a curveball at the world in free agency.

Every potential red-flag need worthy of the 33rd pick has been hit in free agency:

  • Stabilizing defensive line player — D.J. Reader
  • Reshaping corner — Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander
  • Better safety play — Von Bell
  • Bodies at linebacker — Josh Bynes
  • Offensive line help — Xavier Su’a-Filo

Granted, some of these are better than others. The adds at corner, for example, eliminate the position from No. 33, barring something dramatic. Xavier Su’a-Filo isn’t as attractive, but with the coaching staff clealry more comfortable than most think up front, it does enough to not require offensive line to be the pick.

Which is the overarching point here — the Bengals uncharacteristically did so much in free agency that the front office is truly free to take best player available.

Whether that’s an offensive lineman, wideout, pressure creator, linebacker or something else is hard to say about a month out. But the 33rd pick has become the exact opposite of the first pick — wholly unpredictable in the best possible way.

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