It happened later than expected, but the Cincinnati Bengals indeed got some help for the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow.
Hakeem Adeniji was the pick for the Bengals to open the draft’s sixth round and he constitutes a pretty big win as a late-round prospect who can come in and compete at an area of need.
The Bengals appear to have a stereotype now in this draft. Adeniji is experienced. He’s a leader. He’s versatile. He also happens to have a brother who played at Air Force Academy, so it runs in the family.
But the tandem of versatility and experience capable of providing a push at a position of need is why this is such a slam dunk of a pick. Adeniji played four years at tackle and while experts suggest he’s better off at guard — it doesn’t really matter.
Either way, Adeniji figures to compete at the problematic right side of the offensive line. Whether that’s pushing Bobby Hart at right tackle or with Xavier Su’a-Filo at right guard doesn’t really matter — the point is there are bodies, which means competition and the best man winning.
In the sixth round, versatility to play tackle or guard probably means Adeniji sticks. That’s worth an “A” alone, though keep in mind the Bengals getting him started a mini-run on guards. Looking at who came off the board after him, there wasn’t a ton of value the Bengals were missing out on by taking him.
Grade: A
