2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
player. 56. Pick Analysis. Cincinnati Bengals. 5. Scouting Report. AFC North.
1 (5): Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Bengals reunite Chase with his former college QB. AJ Green left in free agency and the Bengals wanted to fortify their offensive weaponry with one of the most aggressive players at the catch point that you will see.
2 (46): Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
Continuing to invest in their quarterback, the Bengals get a guy in Carman who might have to kick inside to guard as a rookie. He’s been protecting Trevor Lawrence’s blindside at Clemson.
3 (69): Joseph Ossai, LB, Texas
An off-ball linebacker who can also rush the passer pretty well, Ossai is a versatile weapon for the Bengals’ defense and gives them another weapon on the defensive front seven to go along with some big investments there (DJ Reader, Trey Hendrickson).
4 (111): Cameron Sample, DL, Tulane
Cameron Sample is as tough as you will find off the edge or playing on the defensive line, but where does he play? The Bengals can use him as a base defensive end and kick him inside on passing downs.
4 (122): Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
Shelvin is a mammoth on the defensive interior and a guy who is undoubtedly going to find a role behind DJ Reader on the depth chart. He can be a valuable run defender in the NFL.
4 (139): D’Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina
The Bengals took a shot on Smith, who many thought could sneak into day two of the draft with his tremendous length and movement skills. I really like this dart throw on day three as a guy who could potentially develop into a starter by year two.
5 (149): Evan McPherson, K, Florida
The Bengals get the best kicker in the 2021 NFL Draft. Say what you will about this as “NFL Draft best practices” but McPherson can be an impact player. Having a good kicker can tip the scales in a lot of games throughout the course of the year.
6 (190): Trey Hill, C, Georgia
The Bengals got another wide body here on day three of the Draft to add to their interior line depth. Hill has experience at both guard and center.
6 (202): Chris Evans, RB, Michigan
Although this is not the Captain America Chris Evans, he’s an impressive athletic specimen nonetheless. He has three-down potential and should be a factor on special teams.
7 (235): Wyatt Hubert, EDGE, Kansas State
Hubert put some really good stuff on tape at the week of Senior Bowl practices and became one of everyone’s favorite late-round mock draft picks. He doesn’t have ideal traits or length to come off the edge as a starter, but he has upside as a sub-package rusher.