Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Gives Recap of 2024 NFL Draft

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor discusses the 2024 NFL Draft. Plus, he shares his thoughts on Dax Hill's role along with Trey Hendrickson's trade request.
Final list of draft picks in 2024:
Round 1 - OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)
Round 2 - DT Kris Jenkins (Michigan)
Round 3 - WR Jermaine Burton (Alabama)
Round 3 - DT McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M)
Round 4 - TE Erick All (Iowa)
Round 5 - CB Josh Newton (TCU)
Round 6 - TE Tanner McLachlan (Arizona)
Round 6 - ED Cedric Johnson (Ole Miss)
Round 7 - S Daijahn Anthony (Ole Miss)
Round 7 - C Matt Lee (Miami)
Follow James on social media!
Twitter: / jamesrapien
Facebook: / jamesrapienbengals
Instagram: / cincybengalstalk
Andrew Miller @andrewfoxmiller on Twitter, Instagram.
#Bengals #NFL

[@boffo63]

How do the Bengals not have the reporters micd? Just spend 200 bucks and get a boom mic

[@mikewagers8610]

For real! Should have learned last year.. Wheel out the dang squeaky old TV cart and put a microphone on it lol..

[@travcontreras8562]

Yeah it’s annoying

[@bunburybios]

No doubt! As I posted. I'm a Bears fan as well, and their pressers are mic'd and a pleasure to watch.

[@RCDesertRat]

Between the Free Agent signings and the draft, I am feeling good about the offensive line

[@blueblazer201]

Why can't Bengals pass around wireless mikes with on/off switches to the reporters so questions can be heard!

[@massonracicot1995]

Thank you Coach Taylor for an amazing draft!! So excited for this coming season. WHO DEY!!!🐅

[@bunburybios]

Love watching all the press conferences, but damn it, give the press core microphones so we can hear the questions! It's not brain surgery. Patch the mic in the board and off you go! Bengals fan since 1968. Also a Bears fan. Go to Bears press conferences to see how they run their Q&A. You can hear them!

[@fredbetts3514]

Finally a CLEAR answer about Dax. He is definitely athletic and has a lot to offer, but he just ain't it at safety!

[@mobythewhale3828]

Unfortunately you’re right. I hope he can make the most of corner or else he will be registered a bust

[@no2_justin]

Yeah, it’s wild how that was the biggest takeaway from this presser. And I’m not being sarcastic. They just drafted 10 players and yet the only thing in this conference press conference to make my eyebrows perk up was what he said about Dax. I guess that’s it now, he’s competing for outside corner. No way he’s taking Mike’s spot. It’s outside. Whatever happens, I hope the competition makes our secondary better. 🙏

[@Jonathan-yx9ug]

I agree definitely corner especially with good safety help behind him he will workout fine at cornerback

[@kcorbilicious]

The Bengals offense is going to be more explosive than my diarrhea after going to skyline.

[@dominicscarlato326]

W comment

[@no2_justin]

Dude, gross… 🍻

[@kingalbert513]

@@no2_justinthat’s because Skyline is nasty.

[@NathanDean79]

Dax Hill never played Free safety before until last year. At Michigan Dax was a Nickel CB and played a little strong safety. In the box. Dax does better the closer to the LOS he is. I think he could play outside CB but coming out of Michigan he was considered by most the be an Elite Nickel CB. That’s where he should play moving forward. This is the last year with Mike Hilton under contract and he is already 30 years old. Hilton will still get another contract with someone but sadly not us. In 2025 Daxton Hill is the new Nickel CB for the Bengals. And next year Jalen Davis contract will be up. The Bengals just drafted another CB and a safety/nickel from Ole Miss. I believe that next year one of those guys will be the backup nickel behind Dax. The CB from TCU is out CB4 this year and DJ Ivey is CB5. Ivey would have been the 4 but for that ACL injury.

[@grungecandy]

I think he starts outside and they play him more inside as the season progresses. He will be the Hilton replacement the following year

[@Michael-tj5bk]

Hill can't lace Hiltons shoes. He will get cooked. Not smart or quick enough

[@marktaylor3726]

Love our picks. One more job to do. Let's get it done.

[@dashaallen]

Who dey 🖤🧡🏈🤫💪

[@tmartin8888]

Wish we’d been even a little aggressive and got an RB, but overall happy with the early picks

[@HermsWorldWide]

Nah I'm good off reaching for a rb in a weak rb class just for a rb3 at best on this roster. Glad none of us are gms. 🙏

[@jonathanhaven1690]

They will be smart to take a RB in next years class.

[@jacksonpegram5153]

@@HermsWorldWidebro fr. Comments just make me wonder if people even watch football

[@mobythewhale3828]

@@jacksonpegram5153I actually think our RB room is more than serviceable right now. They don’t need to be the focus, just balance and a break from our passing game

[@tmartin8888]

@@HermsWorldWide IMO Estime would have complemented Moss and competed for RB1. Also liked Tyrone Tracy if we could have gotten him later, say the sixth. But my main point of contention was taking TE5 with McLachlan instead of RB. Also Anthony, a superfluous Safety who will be a special teamer only. A minor complaint, like I said I’m pretty happy with the picks.

[@NathanDean79]

Zach Zach Zach. The things you said that you saw Burton do I also saw Javon Baker do when he led the Big 12 in passing yards, I saw Troy Franklin do all year, and I saw Jalen McMillan do all year too.

[@anthonybourdainsblacknephe4921]

I'm really not feeling the day 3 picks, except the TE from Arizona. The Jackson and All picks were big reaches.

[@jakenbake9878]

I like any TE from Iowa that has good film.

[@jakebrannon6968]

Can we get my man some water lol I can physically feel all those gulps

[@RobinWallace-xo4ro]

Bengals just missed out on the best Defensive Edge from the Washington State Cougars in the NFL Draft - Brennan Jackson whom was taken in the 5th round by the LA Rams. He has ties to the Cincinnati area - lots of family here. Parents went to Ohio State. His Grandpa, my brother, just passed away a few weeks before the Draft. So sad he didn’t get to see his Grandson get into the NFL. He is such a hard worker, not flashy at all and very smart and kind. He had 2 touch downs as a defensive player in one game!! Sound familiar - Hubbard??? Also he reminds me of Anthony Munoz. He will be in the Hall of Fame some day like Anthony I guarantee you. Listen to his call from the LA Rams on the Internet. What a great kid. Fit right in with the kind of people the Bengals are and want!! Bengals should truly consider a trade because he is a winner!!😀🏈🏉

[@joshuafrey2136]

As of now the 2025 draft needs will be IOL, DE and corner

[@andrewhenderson7764]

And RB

[@AirOut-jt6jw]

TE again. Geseki ain't it lol. Everyone said that about irv. Geseki is a white irv 😅

[@GDJrun]

He's way better than irv doomer

[@ParaousiaComingnow]

@@andrewhenderson7764 If the O line blocks, there's plenty of good backs. Chase Brown could be great if he's not injured.

[@ryanhauser3014]

Definitely a DE. Hendrickson's agent probably pushed him off the team. Historically the Bengals don't respond well to threats of retirement or trade requests from a player. It's sad because Hendrickson has been a very consistent player on defense and has a motor that won't quit. He's tough as nails.

[@charlieblair6335]

Bengals did great on this draft it will show

[@hunterdoss6122]

Second TE, DE and S picks were surprising to me when we could have gotten another piece at rb, lb, corner or even a G to compete with Volsen, Dax going to Corner is huge tho, hope rbs and lbs can step up and stay healthy it was still a good draft

[@woodytrimbell]

I keep hearing how great Pollack is . He’s had slot to work with . I think we need a new line coach

[@Spicycomments1234]

Been saying this. Pollack for the past NINE years has had a top 26th line nothing better. Dude hasn’t been anything for almost a decade.

[@ricoconti3141]

I thought he was/had the best O-line at his last job ???

[@thebuster3430]

Look pollack has had some guys. None were very good.

[@JoshLivengood-uz2wc]

In what way has Pollack had a lot to work with? Mims is the first premium pick that they have spent on o line outside of Jonah and they switched schemes after they drafted him and Carman who was 2 round reach that had to switch positions and that’s always a gamble

[@Jason-Austin]

First 3 rounds were rock solid, rounds 4-7 not so much, and drafting 2 TE's has me scratching my head, especially when we desperately need inside OL depth.

[@Spicycomments1234]

I’ve been asking my friends and family that. You sign sample to a stupid deal then draft 2 more. Idk man I don’t get why they do what they do.

[@ParaousiaComingnow]

Yeah, the tight ends were a huge bust. We need linemen O and D...

[@mobythewhale3828]

At the same time, it’s rare to see OLine players in round 4-7 become career long starters. But very common for tight end and DT so I see why they lined it up like that

[@christopherpeterson1554]

@@mobythewhale3828they don’t draft any TE’s and people complain, they draft 2 and people complain. Just the nature of the business and human nature at play more broadly speaking. Putting my trust in the FO. Who Dey!

[@alexarnold3117]

We need depth at the position but we have our “starter” high upside picks later in the draft at a a position with little depth. If they don’t work out it doesn’t kill us

[@ericgarcia8402]

Really wanted brooks

[@deerhunter7420]

Sign Dillon Johnson ASAP

[@NathanDean79]

Too late. The Titans already signed him.

[@deerhunter7420]

@@NathanDean79 Dillon Johnson is good

[@NathanDean79]

And the Rams drafted Beaux Limmer the center out of Arkansas. Mark my words he will be a pro bowler within a year. We could have taken him with one of our 6th round picks. Yea I know The center they took is athletic with a 9.48 RAS. The thing is though Limmer was better with an RAS of 9.78.

[@gregorymerritt2528]

Nathan Dean what a troll sheesh

[@tyronehinchberger1606]

Overall decent draft nothing to blow me away but nothing too disappointing.

[@spiritedwhiskey4640]

Burton is a top 4 WR in the draft class and we stole him.

[@TheRealGoatedMf]

Also 1st dlineman the strongest out the draft and the 2nd has top 3 stats in NT. We completed our depth. We didn't come for stars or special players.

[@joshuafrey2136]

In a few years when Mims is a all pro, we will love it 🤘

[@LibertyGoblin]

​@@joshuafrey2136raw facts. Amarius Mims will be amazing. 💯%

[@bigj6143]

Mims All-Pro? Injured on the shelf (IR) maybe. Physically Unable to Perform like Lael Collins? If I am wrong no problem. Knee surgery before the end of preseason is more likely. Just takes one wrong move and step even without contact. Those pros are not like playing guys from Alabama. Don't count on luck.

[@Jonathan-yx9ug]

The Bengals should have picked NEWTON out of Illinois 18th pick cause I believe they could have gotten MIMS With 2nd rd pick because teams were kinda staying away from him because lack of playtime and tape plus injury concerns but I feel it will workout in the end.”HOPEFULLY”

[@NathanDean79]

How can ANYONE in their right fucking mind blame Daxton Hill For what went wrong with the defense last year?? He did his part. He had 110 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions! That better that Jessie Bateses rookie year. The problem last year is that you had 2’rookies playing CB and 2’rookies playing safety. What could go wrong right? Nick Scott Wasn’t a rookie but Was new to the team and last year was only his 2nd season as a starter. Same for CTB. And then Battle goes in and balls out. Battle made the All Rookie team in the strength of 8 fucking games. And how is he rewarded? He is benched! The coaches are the problem with this team!!

[@Michael-tj5bk]

He had a bad pff grade. Stats don't mean crap. Got cooked too many times. Especially as a deep safety

[@ryantownsend1015]

Who DEY

[@Donald-my3oo]

Are the Bengals going þo throw the ball 55-60 times a game

[@NathanDean79]

And if they wanted a safety this year why didn’t they take Trey Taylor the safety out of Air Force? He only won the Thorpe Award this year. That the award given to the best defensive back in the country.

[@jojoq.3961]

Last year's winner of that award went in the 6th round and this year's winner went in the 7th round obviously. Trey Taylor was picked just before the Bengals picked their safety. Dane Brugler had Anthony (Bengals safety pick) as 5th-6th projection and Taylor 7th-college free agent. The Bengals 6th round picks were value picks projected to go 5th round or earlier and the S position is much lower need than DE or TE at the moment.

[@NathanDean79]

You know I hate it when people say we play physical in the AFC North. You do know that they tackle in other divisions too Zach. We arent the only ones Playing tackle football. What does that even mean to play physical? Is he taking about Hitting guys hard? Be sure they do that in every division Too. I really don’t understand it when someone says well this player is real physical And this guy isn’t. What does that even mean? Is he talking about run blocking? I’m pretty sure that in order to run block you have to put your hands on guys and move them. EVERY god dam teams does that Zach!

[@bigj6143]

You should know by now Zack is full of smiles, positivity, and what is commonly referred to as "stock answers" to questions and comments. "Reps in Practice" is another that says next to nothing. I mean you ain't facing guys trying to rip your head off in practice. Like Allen Iverson said "we talking about practice."

[@tmartin8888]

Just me or does it seem like Zach is trying to not throw up or belch or something?

[@austinadams7120]

It's always expected to throw up when you get good players. Just look at his draft interview when he got Joey b

[@christophersmith8316]

Probably had 100 coffees today

[@tyronehinchberger1606]

I will say I was expecting a late round running back or an additional depth piece at line backer

[@joshgoins2602]

we would have if we didn’t draft 2 TEs…

[@54321boomrider]

Say Ja'marr Chase I said hi

[@TonyHamiltonCk]

He said hey

[@TaylorPort]

Charlie Jones getting pushed down the depth chart

[@BengalsTalk]

Burton doesn’t move Jones at all lol. They were always adding a receiver that could play right away

[@NathanDean79]

We could have gotten Cade Stover but instead they picked a guy who had fucking back surgery. Not ankle or shoulder surgery. He had surgery on his fucking spine.

[@bigj6143]

Yep and as soon as your Bungholes did that, Houston traded right up and took Stover. I hope they are right by taking ALL. I thought they were also happy with Drew Sample, they signed him to a three year extension. You know he is going to be All-Pro. Like I am going to be elected the next NFL Commish.

[@benfrankfriendly6269]

Bengals have failed us year after year with the volume.

[@codykott4499]

How do u pick Jermaine Burton when Roman Wilson was there? I don't get that. I like the draft we performed, but that seemed like a miss in comparison. I'm just glad the first 2 rounds went really well. Love the center pick

[@NathanDean79]

Javon Baker the WR from UCF led the big 12 in receiving yards last year. He was still on the board when we took Jermaine Burton. So was Troy Franklin of Oregon so was Jalen McMillan. Jermaine Burton is trouble. One of those other 3 guys maybe 2 will be Pro Bowlers long after Burton is gone From the league. Obviously I didn’t like The pick. I loved the 1st, 2nd and second 3rd round pick. I like the edge and center. I have no fucking idea why we drafted That CB out of TCU when the CB from Auburn DJ James was still available. That just baffled me. Makes me think that they are just throwing darts at a board and picking whoever the dart hits on the board.

[@NathanDean79]

And why the hell did they is a pick on a 25 years old TE. All he will play is his rookie deal. He will be 29’when his fuckimg roomie contract is up! And the Bengals are good on safety’s now. I don’t want to see another god damned safety drafted for at least 2 years. Enough.

[@Donald-my3oo]

I think the Bengals staff sucks at drafting and developing

[@austinadams7120]

The bengals stole burton wr. Sorry higgins, but this may be your last year as bengals. Hey tee can be a starter for titans or patriots

[@dashaallen]

Maybe maybe not who knows lol 🤣

[@NathanDean79]

This is Jackson Carman, Dante Smith, Trey Hills last season with the team. I would cut Trey Hill Outright. The other 2 will be gone next year. That’s a wasted 2nd, 4th, 6th round pick. Carman played some and the other 2 played preseason game and that it. Why would they draft a center like Trey Hill Who has an RAS of 2.10? We should have drafted a guard too. I would have taken a guard instead of The TE from Arizona. Now we have 5 TEs. One of The new guys is going to The practice squad. Why not get another fucking guard to compete with Volson? If I’m Burrow I’m tired of getting hurt playing behind crappy offensive lines. If I’m him I’m looking for some way to get out Of that contract I signed.

[@NathanDean79]

What about the behavioral issues with Jermaine Burton Zach. Are you a psychiatrist or a psychologist? Does the team Have one on the payroll? Be sure if you don’t you may want to look into that. I’m quoting an analyst that I like and respect he said I quote “Jermaine Burton that guy is crazy.” How often have you heard someone just be that blunt about a prospect. It’s a first for me. I expected him to dance around the issues and say something like well if he gets In the right culture his problems can be overcome. Nope he just said he was crazy period. I’ve never heard anyone say anything like that about a prospect in my life.

[@NathanDean79]

Trey Hendrickson might retire. So none doesn’t have to play for yall next year. He is pissed because he is top 5 at his position but he is the 11th highest paid. Wouldn’t you be pissed about that?? But he kind of screwed himself by signing that extension last year. He has far outplayed his 4 year 60 Million contract. And he is never hurt either.

[@paulosborne8367]

Boo hoo hoo 😂

[@jakenbake9878]

If he plays bad, can the Bengals renegotiate and pay him less?

[@bigj6143]

I would invest in him before signing another back of the pack free agent in the so called top 100. Rankin and Zack Moss were between 90 and 100 when ranked.

[@richardreed2839]

Tik tok sucks!!

[@stevenhead7593]

Dax Hill, Miles Murphy, and Mims. The last three number ones. All starting the year as backups. Poor Joe, Miles Garrett and JJ will destroy us again, they’ll never learn.

[@BengalsTalk]

So you wanted Mitchell?

[@stevenhead7593]

I wanted them to protect the highest paid paid player in the NFL. Now we have 2 right tackles and a guard that can’t block.

[@dashaallen]

​@@stevenhead7593they drafted pretty good to me. Stop complaining yo.

[@austinadams7120]

​@stevenhead7593 as far as depth packages, bengals looking good

[@christophersmith8316]

@@stevenhead7593 hey i bet this is the first time anyone has figured out that Burrow needs protecton. The gobs of tackles and players we sign on OL mean nothing?

[@TRUMP24FUKJOEBIDEN]

B- for this year's draft class.

[@amac2135]

I'm sure in a week when you realize how good the players are we drafted you will change that - to a +.