The Cincinnati Bengals figure to hit wideout at some point in the 2020 NFL draft.
As we took a deep dive on, wideout is quietly one of the bigger team needs due to the lack of players under contract after next season.
Here’s a look at a wide receiver to keep in mind for the Bengals in each round based on value and fit.
We also looked at a linebacker in each round for the Bengals.
Round 1: CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Good luck deciding between Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb this year.
The reality is the Bengals probably won’t have a shot at any first-round wideout unless they fall to Round 2. But due to trade possibilities, it’s always worth a mention.
And Lamb is quite the mention. A 6’2″, 198-pound wideout with wicked speed and creation abilities at all three levels of the field, he’d be incredible alongside a healthy A.J. Green.
Round 2: Denzel Mims, Baylor
Mims is one of those borderline first-round guys who could make it to No. 33.
And talk about a win.
A 6’3″, 207-pound threat, Mims is a highlight-reel player thanks to a big catch radius and some blazing numbers (4.38 40-yard dash). It’s hard not to like the long-term possibilities for him on the outside.
Round 3: Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Claypool is one of the wildest measurements since Calvin Johnson.
He’s 6’4″ and 238 pounds. He ran a 4.42 40-yard-dash. He has a vertical jump of 40.5 inches. A rare, rare specimen, Claypool has the ability to fight inside for catches or stretch the field outside. It’ll take some development, but he’s certainly worth an investment.
Round 4: Van Jefferson, Florida
Call Jefferson a chess piece.
A seasoned worker who can play all three spots, Jefferson won’t blow anyone away with measurables but he’ll buy some space with route-running.
And projecting him into a long-term offense with at least Tyler Boyd is a nice conversation starter around a guy like Joe Burrow.
Round 5: Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State
Isaiah Hodgins is one of those fun bigger targets who won’t make a ton of space with his sheer athletics.
But he’ll still find nice soft spots in coverage and otherwise bully smaller defenders.
A 6’4″, 210-pound receiving threat, Hodgins projects well in a place like Cincinnati merely due to the other big-bodied threats teams will have to deal with while spread thin.
Round 6: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Donovan Peoples-Jones is a really fun, if not unproven player.
Fun, because it’s hard not to like a guy who checks in at 6’2″ and 212 pounds while running a 4.48-second time in the 40.
It didn’t ultimately translate to big production but that doesn’t mean it won’t at the pro level. This is especially the case in a place like Cincinnati where he’ll learn from guys like A.J. Green while waiting at least a year to make an impact.
Round 7: Austin Mack, Ohio State
More route-runner than incredible tester, Mack had a hard time outshining others on a loaded depth chart.
But this late in the draft? He’s steal material and worth developing while keeping around so he can produce on special teams. Maybe he doesn’t break into stardom, but he’s a core-type player teams would love to guarantee in the seventh round.
