The Bengals traded up with the Chicago Bears to the third Overall Selection, a third-round selection in 2017, a 1st Round Selection in 2018, and a 5th Round Selection in 2018. 3rd Pick – Cincinnati Bengals (from Chicago Bears) Jonathan Allen – Defensive End Alabama – Senior 6-3, 291 Pounds Trading up is very risky in the NFL, as we have learned in recent years, it could be something that can make or break your franchise. The most recent example is the mortgaging of the future, as done by the Rams and Eagles last year. Both teams traded up to the first two spots in the draft to pick up what could be the “franchise quarterback of the future”. It’s too early to tell, but sometimes it doesn’t work out.
I look at how things ended for Robert Griffin III in Washington, and remember that you are exposing yourself as a franchise to get a college player. I don’t think that’s what would happen to the Bengals when they trade up to select a very talented defensive lineman with versatile abilities. I loved Jonathan Allen’s decision to return to college last year, as a possible title run and upgrade of draft position gave ‘bama it’s star defensive end back. To delve deep into what Allen is, and of what Bengals would be trading for, I tend to look at effort plays made during the third quarter.
These are the plays that is forcing a running lane to stay in between the tackles, a passer to not escape the pocket, and a defender to put his hands up when it’s a passing down. Jonathan Allen does all of these things when I watched film on him, not all the time, but he does make some pretty plays. Allen is an athletic player (not on the level of Garrett), has a quick step to beat slower offensive lineman, and uses his hands very well. I saw Jonathan Allen fully extend Avery Gennessy off his feat, and into the lap of the quarterback. That’s the type of effort the Bengals are looking for when they trade up in the draft. Giving up a few picks isn’t a bad idea for a team that constantly finishes in the top-10 most years.