The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t pulling any punches in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft.
First, they moved up to take quarterback Ryan Finley. Then they got a top-of-board guy with Renell Wren.
As a topper, they moved back up into the fourth round via trade with the Dallas Cowboys to select Ohio State offensive lineman Michael Jordan.
That’s about as good as it gets for a team with a ton of picks to leverage in moves and a big need to fill. All the Bengals had to do was cough up No. 149 and No. 213 to move up to No. 136, which isn’t a big deal for a team that entered Day 3 with a silly 10 selections.
And Jordan is a big deal. Guys that check in at 6’6″ and 312 pounds don’t come around often, nor do they play with the pop he did — especially at guard.
At No. 136, the Bengals got a prospect who could come in and start at guard right away. He arguably looked better there than at center and obviously got a good recommendation from Billy Price.
Given the small overall cost of the move up, the fact those picks they traded probably weren’t going to make the roster anyway and Jordan’s potential to boost an entire unit, there isn’t any other way to go with the grade.
Grade: A+
