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Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft 2021: Late-round sleeper targets

By Dillon Appleman

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Defensive Lineman Shaka Toney #18 from Penn State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Defensive Lineman Shaka Toney #18 from Penn State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft
Cincinnati Bengals 2021 NFL Draft late-round target, Marquez Stevenson (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. Marquez Stevenson, WR/Return, Houston

Another notable loss for the Bengals this offseason was the departure of return specialist Alex Erickson. Erickson had been the team’s punt returner for the last five seasons and provided the team with reliable depth at the receiver position as well. The Cincinnati Bengals will likely look to find his replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft and a player I like a lot to fill that role is former Houston Cougar, Marquez Stevenson.

Stevenson was a spark plug for the Cougars over his last three seasons, as he proved he could make plays no matter how he gets the ball. As a receiver, Stevenson totaled over 2,000 yards on 147 catches and hauled in 22 touchdowns in just 30 games. He also added 231 yards and two more touchdowns out of the backfield. While those numbers are terrific, his value as a late-round target really comes into play when you look at his ability as a return man.

Over the course of his career, Stevenson averaged over 26 yards per return and scored three touchdowns off of kickoffs. That type of playmaker would be a steal for the Bengals on Day-3 as he could make an instant impact for the team.

4. Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State

With Giovani Bernard now in Tampa Bay, the Cincinnati Bengals’ depth at running back becomes a little questionable. Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams did play well in their limited opportunities in 2020 but neither of them can provide that third-down skillset that Bernard gave the Bengals. That’s why I think they address the position in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A guy I think could provide that missing piece to their backfield is Jermar Jefferson out of Oregon State. Quicker than he is fast, Jefferson combines his shifty style of play with excellent vision and instincts. His ability in the passing game wasn’t shown off enough at Oregon State but he made the most of his opportunities, reeling in 43 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

I think Jefferson could be had early on Day-3 so if he’s sitting available when the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock at 112 or maybe even 150, he could be a really nice addition to their backfield.

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