After quarterback, the Cincinnati Bengals figure to hit a variety of different needs in the 2020 NFL draft.
Included there is edge rusher, where the team would like to grab some rotational upgrades that better fit a multiple look. Pressure creators with the versatility to drop into coverage are the priority in each round.
We also looked at a linebacker in each round for the Bengals, as well as a wide receiver in each round.
Round 1: Chase Young, Ohio State
Joe Burrow is the pick in Round 1 but we’d be remiss not to mention Ohio State star Chase Young.
Presumably this year’s Nick Bosa, Young is an instant-starting star who will help reshape the complexion of whichever defense he joins. It’s hard not to like the idea of his joining the Bengals and putting pressure on quarterbacks alongside guys like Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
Round 2: Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Zack Baun has always been a bit of a longshot to make it to the top of Round 2.
But now he’s got a diluted test impacting his stock.
Baun is worth the pick if he’s there at No. 33. He’s a proverbial chess piece who can do it all, whether it’s filling gaps to stop the run or shifting all over the place to create pressure.
Round 3: Terrell Lewis, Alabama
The Bengals have already put in some big work on Alabama star Terrell Lewis.
Lewis’ stock is all over the place depending on where one looks. But he’s a strong athlete who projects to have massive upside, especially if he’s used all over the place. Perhaps the biggest concern is his recent injury history.
Round 4: Bradlee Anae, Utah
A three-down player for three seasons at a bigger program, Bradlee Anae figures to fit just what the Bengals want from a mid-round pick.
The Bengals could use Anae all over the place, including with his hand in the dirt in four-man fronts. He’s more of an effort guy than someone who wins with wicked athleticism, but production is production so long as quarterbacks feel the heat.
Round 5: Alton Robinson, Syracuse
Alton Robinson’s career has been all over the place to this point after settling for playing ball at Syracuse after attempting to start at Texas A&M.
The journey might have him flying under the radar a bit, which a team like the Bengals probably wouldn’t mind in the mid-rounds. Robinson has great length with a strong first step off the snap. He’s not going to wow as a run defender, but a situational rusher with a solid success rate is hard to complain about in this range.
Round 6: Jonathan Garvin, Miami
When it comes to developmental edge rushers, few stand out more than Jonathan Garvin in this range.
Garvin is a younger prospect with some stock questions around his effort but the physical traits are borderline elite. If he’s given time with proper coaching he could end up as one of those risky plays that exceed the value of the draft slot.
Round 7: Tipa Galea’i, Utah State
Tipa Galea’i is a high-risk gamble in the later rounds.
Galea’i has a team dismissal on his resume and won’t impress as a run defender. But if he’s given a chance to develop while working on special teams, he could easily find a long-term role as a situational player who comes in and offers additional pressure in the right scenarios.
