Ranking 8 Cincinnati Bengals options in second round of 2020 NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals own the No. 1 pick. But let’s be honest, we know the list of players in contention for that pick.

Joe Burrow. That’s the list.

The real suspense for the Bengals begins at the top of the second round, pick No. 33 overall. That’s where a number of players could be in play for the team and we’re going to dive into and rank some of those players here.

 

8. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

Feb 27, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (WO41) catches a pass during a workout drill during the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Peoples-Jones was a tough prospect to figure out as his quarterback play didn’t exactly help him. But he was able to showcase some of his athleticism at the Scouting Combine and show he can be a good wide receiver. And with Pro Days shunned, that lasting image of Peoples-Jones at the Combine, especially at the vertical jump, is going to stay fresh in the minds of teams. The Bengals will likely be looking for more help for their new franchise quarterback.

7. A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

Nov 16, 2019; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) in action against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

You can never have too many edge rushers in today’s NFL, especially in a division that houses the reigning NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson.

Epenesa saw his stock slip somewhat since the season. He was once seen as a prospect that would go in the top half of round one. Now, his ceiling might be the late-teens or early twenties. He might even fall into round two, where he could slip right into Cincinnati’s hands if they want to add to their pass rush.

6. Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Houston’s Josh Jones (70) blocks as the North squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Jonah Williams will be back next season and is expected to man the left tackle spot, something the Bengals envisioned when they selected him No. 11 overall last April and will now come to fruition with Cordy Glenn out.

While Bobby Hart isn’t terrible, the Bengals could use some competition, at the very least, in that spot and that’s where Josh Jones could come into play.

Jones had a fine week at the Senior Bowl playing left tackle but probably will begin his career on the right side of the line, which would be perfect for Cincinnati. It would be like having two first-round rookies starting in 2020.

5. Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State

Feb 29, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Penn State defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (DL29) goes through a workout drill during the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Gross-Matos would make a nice rotation on the edge with Carlos Dunlap and Sam Hubbard. If YGM doesn’t make it into round one, as some believe he’ll sneak into, keep a close eye on him at No. 33. Like with Epenesa, he could go in the twenties, but would be a pretty nice pick if teams do let him slip out of round one.

4. Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Zack Baun lines up as the North squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

As you can tell, there will potentially be a handful of quality edges (ironically, all from the Big Ten, which is where the Bengals found Sam Hubbard) that could all be available for the Bengals at No. 33 and Baun is no exception. It’s never bad to have 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss the season before you head to the NFL.

3. Lloyd Cushenberry, IOL, LSU

Jan 25, 2020; Mobile, AL, USA; South offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry III of LSU (79) gets ready to snap the football in the first half of the 2020 Senior Bowl college football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

LSU is going to have two very good interior offensive linemen prospects in this draft, but Cushenberry is likely going to be the first one taken over Damien Lewis. Cushenberry is another player that has a chance to get into round one, but if he doesn’t, he very well could end up in Cincinnati as the interior spot is probably the biggest weakness on the Bengals’ roster now outside of quarterback, which is obviously going to be addressed with the first overall pick.

2. Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz during Michigan’s annual spring NCAA college football game, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Arguably the best interior offensive lineman in this class, Ruiz is a powerful player that would be a huge upgrade over what they currently have on the inside, namely former first-round pick Billy Price, Michael Jordan and Trey Hopkins.

Cincinnati did address the position thus far in free agency with former Texan and Cowboy Xavier Su’a-Filo. He’ll likely slide into the right guard spot left by former Bengal John Miller, who is now with the Panthers. But it’s clear the current coaching staff is not fond of either Jordan or Price.

1. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen (8) reacts during the second quarter of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Queen created a lot of momentum for himself at the end of last season, including a pair of eight-tackle games and four total sacks in the College Football Playoff against Oklahoma and Clemson.

The Bengals have hardly addressed the linebacker position in free agency to this point, signing former Raven Josh Bynes, while seeing Nick Vigil sign with the Chargers and LaRoy Reynolds head to Atlanta.

Queen would be a great fit for a retooling Bengals defense behind new defensive tackle D.J. Reader.