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The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have as many needs as expected entering the 2020 NFL draft thanks to an uncharacteristically aggressive stance in free agency.
While Zac Taylor and the front office have a little more wiggle room than usual to go get best player available, some needs remain more pressing than others.
Before Round 1 gets underway, let’s look at the most important spots.
QB
It doesn’t get more important than this.
The Andy Dalton era is over. That much was true when a new head coach arrived and benched the veteran starter. It isn’t all Dalton’s fault, but the team can’t afford to be gunshy about the position anymore. New head coaches generally want to go get their own guy anyway and Taylor has a chance to go get Joe Burrow.
This conversation would hit a little different if the Bengals hadn’t stumbled into No. 1. But knowing it’s the biggest need for Taylor, it’s no surprise they did.
EDGE/LB
Lou Anarumo’s continued transition into a multiple defense got a big boost in free agency with guys like D.J. Reader, Vonn Bell and Josh Bynes.
But that’s not enough. The pass rush needs a rotational boost, injury insurance and versatility capable of dropping back into coverage. Ideally, that’s a guy who can go with his hand in the dirt or stand up and has a long-term future in a tandem with Germaine Pratt.
OL
The Bengals might like the upside of guys like Fred Johnson and Michael Jordan. But relying on guys to just up and develop hasn’t worked out so well for the team lately.
If a high-end tackle prospect falls he needs to be in the mix. This is about making sure injury or bad timing doesn’t ruin Joe Burrow’s long-term development.
WR
The Bengals don’t currently have a lot of guys at wideout under contract beyond next season.
It’s a long-term need to consider and one that could get addressed earlier than expected given the strength of the draft class in this area. A speedy-type as John Ross insurance would make some sense.
DB
More versatility safety help couldn’t hurt for subpackages. And while Mackensie Alexander, Trae Waynes, Winston Rose and LeShaun Sims are all newcomers at corner, none are a lock to stick long-term. The Bengals might be wise to keep investing in such a premium positional group.
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