Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Grade and Recap

Jake Fisher. 55. player. 56. A fantastic value pick here. Fisher stood out as one of the nation’s top tackles in 2015, going largely slept-on due to the success of others on the Ducks offense. Fisher was one of the key reasons Marcus Mariota was able to put on a clinic at QB. Not only does this pick fit a need, but it solidifies that Cincinnati stayed true to their board and picked via BPA here. Fisher isn’t massive, but his athletic traits project to transfer very well to a key role in Cincinnati. <strong>Grade: A-</strong>. OL. Oregon

56. Here’s a puzzling one. Kroft, while impressive at times on tape at Rutgers, certainly didn’t appear to be on many boards as a mid-Day Two selection. It’s understandable why Cincinnati would want to add more more tight end, but this one felt like a bit of a reach when you consider the board. Certainly not a home-run on the surface … we’ll have to see with this one. <strong>Grade: C</strong>. TE. Rutgers. Tyler Kroft. 85. player

99. player. 56. This one sticks with the theme of selecting a player with great value after potentially reaching for a prospect. Dawson shined on tape during much of his time at TCU, putting on a clinic on how to be an athletic and strong linebacker. His ultimate fall came due to off-field concerns that pushed him out of the second round. On tape, you’ll be hard to find a better defender. If he can stay clean off the field, this may turn into another Vontaze Burfict situation. <strong>Grade: A-</strong>. OLB. TCU. Paul Dawson