The early-70s
In 1971, Ken Anderson was taken 67th overall out of tiny Augustana College. He wound up as one of the best picks in franchise history. Anderson threw for almost 33,000 yards and 197 TDs in a career that kept him as a Bengal through 1986. Anderson dominated, starting 172 games. In 1972, James Hamilton was a 13th-round pick out of Arkansas State. No magic. No stats. The same result occurred when Ted McNulty was chosen out of Indiana in 1973 in the 15th round. The 1974 QB pick was Mike Boryla from Stanford, who was chosen in the fourth round. Boryla had no stats with Cincy but did make 19 starts for the Philadelphia Eagles.