2016 NFL Draft Midseason Grades For Every 1st Round Pick
By Erik Lambert
Cincinnati Bengals
Top Pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
It was such a shame when cornerback William Jackson suffered his season-ending injury. Anybody who watched his game film saw a young man with loads of talent and instinct for the position. Thankfully the Bengals are relatively deep in the secondary. Even so this is not what they were hoping for from their 1st round pick. Not in a season that could be make-or-break for the head coach. Hopefully he’ll be able to return and show everybody what he can do.
Grade: INC
Hidden Gem: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt
It’s really not fair to expect a rookie to make up for what the Bengals lost in Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Cincinnati no doubt misses them as each thrive in their new homes. Tyler Boyd is not at their level yet, but he’s played pretty well regardless. He has 25 catches for 283 yards and at least done enough to each the blanket coverages on A.J. Green, who is dominating. Given his work ethic and route running ability, Boyd should be much better by seasons’ end.