2019 NFL Draft: Grades, recaps, and analysis for all 32 teams

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Jonah Williams of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen #11 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

56. . . . Cincinnati Bengals. . team

1 (11): Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
2 (52): Drew Sample, TE, Washington
3 (72): Germaine Pratt, LB, NC State
4 (104): Ryan Finley, QB, NC State
5 (125): Renell Wren, DL, Arizona State
6 (136): Michael Jordan, OL, Ohio State
7 (182): Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
8 (210) Deshaun Davis, LB Auburn
9 (211): Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma
10 (223): Jordan Brown, CB, South Dakota State

Although I’m not a big fan of drafting for need, I don’t ever fault NFL teams for ‘reaching’ on offensive linemen in the first round. I don’t know that Jonah Williams was one of the 11 best players in this year’s draft, but I loved what he did at Alabama and I think the Bengals have themselves a starter here for a long time.

I’m not a fan of Drew Sample in the second round. I didn’t mind Sample as a prospect in general, but at 52? He can prove me wrong, but I felt like that was one of the worst values in the draft in general.

Germaine Pratt will be a starting inside linebacker for the Bengals this year and I like his ability to drop into coverage as a former safety.

Ryan Finley in round four gives the Bengals a top backup option for Andy Dalton and a dark horse starter for 2020 and beyond. He’s a good mid-round value despite the fact that he may be a bit boring of a prospect. Drafting Finley and Pratt also gives the Bengals both of NC State’s 2018 captains on offense and defense.

How about Michael Jordan coming in and giving Cincinnati two straight Ohio State centers? He can play guard as well.

Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson are fun pickups at running back, especially considering Anderson was teammates with Joe Mixon for a time at Oklahoma.

Jordan Brown has an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills.

Grade: C

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