The Cincinnati Bengals continue to serve as an unpredictable element in the 2019 NFL draft.
And within the Bengals fanbase, the idea the Bengals could take a first-round quarterback like Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins is as polarizing as it gets.
There are plenty of reasons the Bengals wouldn’t take a quarterback at No. 11, if not earlier or later. But ESPN’s Todd McShay brought up a few reasons as to why they might — and he isn’t alone in his thinking:
“After talking to people across the league, there is a real possibility the Bengals make a splash with a quarterback in the first round. With Baker Mayfield in the division and a new coach for the Bengals, Cincinnati might opt for a pick that would sell some tickets. The Browns have all the AFC North buzz right now, and going QB here would help Cincinnati keep pace. If not, Bush is the name to remember. He would immediately fill a need.”
And to be fair, though this seems silly, the Bengals got a nice bump among the fanbase last year from Buckeyes additions such as Billy Price and Sam Hubbard.
Haskins at quarterback would certainly provide an even bigger boost.
The reality is simple: the Bengals have a fan engagement problem, even after finally moving on from Marvin Lewis. It would be unwise to dismiss it as part of the decision-making process.
And yes, Zac Taylor and Co. have defended Andy Dalton this offseason. But they have also said everything is on the table and Dalton’s entering something of a prove-it year. The roster could use other upgrades, too, but if Haskins falls and the chance at a potential franchise passer is there and it doubles as a way to excite the fanbase, it certainly isn’t impossible.
Buzz about this happening continues to grow for a reason. Smokescreen season or not, some of the connections and reasonings make sense.
