The Bengals had a solid draft, earning a grade of B+. They made some quality selections that should bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Amarius Mims was the favorite pick for many, taken 18th overall from Georgia. Although he didn’t have much college experience, he showcased elite skills when he did play. Mims has all the qualities of a starting tackle and if he can stay healthy, he could be a force on the Bengals’ offensive line.
On the other hand, some felt that McKinnley Jackson, selected 97th overall from Texas A&M was not a good fit for the team. While they needed to add depth to their defensive interior, some felt that they could have gotten more value from this pick. However, Jackson may not be the most explosive player but he should provide stability and help keep the Bengals’ defense fresh.
In addition to these two picks, Kris Jenkins adds depth to the defensive line while Jermaine Burton brings explosive playmaking ability to the wide receiver position giving the Bengals options on offense. Amarius Mims has the potential to be a mainstay at tackle for years to come and McKinnley Jackson still offers immediate impact and long-term potential in key areas.
Overall, the Bengals had a solid draft that addressed key areas of need with players who have both immediate impact and long-term potential.
