The Cincinnati Bengals had the benefit of coaching the 2020 Senior Bowl for the South team, gifting Zac Taylor and Co. a critical bit of inside info on some of the draft’s top prospects.
With practices complete, here’s a look at some of the top names the Bengals surely know about, as should fans.
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Kinlaw is essentially a household name at this point, which should only continue as the draft approaches. He’s a first-round talent so maybe he isn’t in the cards for the Bengals, but it’s hard to ignore an elite defensive line prospect who is so complete and ready for the next level.
Ben Bartch, OL, Saint John’s
Bartch didn’t have any problems fitting in with an all-star cast of prospects despite hailing from a much smaller school. He’s a nasty, big and potentially instant contributor who might be able to upgrade the Cincinnati line right out of the gates if they can snag him on Day 2.
Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida
The Bengals like their Florida ends, right? Greenard is one to consider for a rotational role right away thanks to his excellent combo of size, length and burst that helps him get after passers. It’s a position of strength besides consistent depth right now in Cincinnati and he could end up being a good value.
Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan
Another edge, mostly because Uche has just looked so good. He’s on a fast rise up boards, which should only continue at the combine. If the Bengals want a rotational chip without spending big, Uche could end up being a versatile value.
Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina
Any questions about Strowbridge have fallen to the wayside. He’s the sort of nasty run defender with enough tools to rush passers that fits well into what the Bengals do right now — merging multiple fronts at a time depending on the situation. He’s another Swiss army knife-type.
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Linebacker is assuredly something the Bengals want to hit in the draft and Baun is right in that sweet spot where the value would make sense. He’s a seasoned, big-program linebacker who can do multiple things in an array of looks.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
If the Bengals want to add some insurance to the wideout corps., Mims is a fun developmental prospect with a massive frame and bigger catch radius. Auden Tate is around, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a Mims.
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
The Bengals like their experienced players from big programs so Johnson certainly fits the mold. He’s a crisp route-runner who frees himself up nicely consistently, which to be honest, is going to come quite in handy with a rookie passer under center.
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Speaking of rookie passers, Herbert has a chance to enter the conversation for the Bengals at quarterback. They’re getting a close-up look at him in Mobile — moreso than any other team. What he’s shown publicly was expected thanks to the live arm and accuracy. We’ll see how much the Bengals like him, but don’t count him out now.
