Cincinnati Bengals 2021 NFL Draft grades: Needs have been filled
Clemson. Jackson Carman. Pick Analysis. OT. player. 56. Scouting Report. 2
Grade: B-
After trading back in the second round with the New England Patriots, the Cincinnati Bengals were still able to come away with a plug-and-play player on the offensive line with the selection of Jackson Carman out of Clemson.
Carman was the blindside protection for Trevor Lawrence for the better part of his career and brings a physical style to the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line unit. A true road-grater in the run game, Carman is a wrecking ball when he gets out in space, looking for anybody to throw his weight into. Fans should expect some growing pains with his pass sets but Carman has shown plenty to believe he can turn in a successful rookie campaign protecting Joe Burrow.
With so many offensive tackles already off the board at this point, I think Cincinnati did well to land Carman in a trade back that also netted them two more fourth-round picks.
Joseph Ossai. 3. 56. Pick Analysis. Edge. Texas. player. Scouting Report
Grade: B+
With their first defensive selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals landed some much-needed pass-rushing depth with the selection of Joseph Ossai at 69th overall. Ossai is a big-time athlete off the edge and had some solid production during his time with the Longhorns.
After beginning his career as an off-ball linebacker, Ossai made the switch to rush the passer full time in 2020, where he had 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in nine games.
While he will come in a little raw, Ossai has all of the physical tools to develop as a rotational pass rusher in Cincinnati. The Bengals were desperate for some depth behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard and I believe they got that at a terrific value with Ossai in the third round.