Cincinnati Bengals 2024 Draft Report Card | Grading Every Pick

[@caseyp3879]

If anyone hates this draft you haven’t been watching the bengals. Run D was awful, added OL depth, multiple athletic TEs to finally develop, and defensive depth. An explosive wr. Plus a punter. It wasn’t a sexy draft but man did they hit all the weaknesses. This will be a special season

[@dashaallen]

Facts tho 🧡🖤🏈🤫💪

[@pRODIGAL_sKEPTIC]

I find it very sexy bc I wanted a HOGS draft & got it!

[@HisanRoberts]

I would of liked a left guard but good other wise

[@dashaallen]

@@HisanRoberts are you paying the players are you the front office 🤣

[@jharp08]

@@dashaallenif he lives in cincy then hell yea he is tf 😂

[@victorpate24]

If "Competition Breeds Excellence," then this draft actually proves that The Cincinnati BENGALS are "All In," for 2024 season because 10..... TEN highly athletic and hungry football players are coming to camp and challenge everyone! Using this philosophy, I say that this is an A+ draft grade.

[@TLDelapore]

Part of being all in is cutting good player when the roster goes to 53. Depth has held the Bengals back since the merger more than the starters have.

[@heathswinson3858]

Wonder what we could get for dax Hill? Maybe a better LG? Or linebacker

[@Joel-Serra]

Taking Cedric Johnson with a 6th round compensatory pick was an absolute steal by these guys, nice job.

[@Montrovantis]

He probably won't even make the roster. If he exceeds expectations he may be a practice squad guy.

[@Avenlane]

I know right, he's basically Myles Murphy but we get him at a MUCH lower cost.

[@Crispy44652]

@@Montrovantiswould love to know the last Bengals draft pick that didn’t make the 53 man roster in their rookie season. It doesn’t happen often…

[@heathswinson3858]

@@Crispy44652 I don't see how the safety makes the 53 though. No clue why TF we would select him when we don't even have a safety spot for dax and have to move him to corner.

[@TheMikeTownsend]

Who doesn't love an agile monster OT? Added bonus, two vet monster OTs to teach him the ropes! Plus, jumbo package is about as jumbo as you can get!

[@gsmith7147]

Watching the Bengals draft room explode after each pick was so great to see. Especially after Mims ❤A grade❤

[@stevefunderburgh8852]

I like the draft picks. They got a steal on the wide receiver talent wise.

[@rbbrbb4715]

McKinnley Jackson was a need and no body else was worth a pick to fill that role

[@1craley878]

Kris Jenkins is also very good against the run, even though he’s not as big as most nose tackles.

[@rbbrbb4715]

@@1craley878 McKinnley -Jenkins will be the short yardage DT combo

[@snave59]

@@rbbrbb4715 Agree.They both will make the team.

[@chrisw647]

Exactly. Jenkins by himself is a good player but the Mckinnley Jackson pick makes total sense & makes the Jenkins pick even better.

[@leatj3085]

mckinnley was the second best nose tackle in the draft, and we got him 🤗

[@pRODIGAL_sKEPTIC]

Jenkins is such a high-character pick he really balances the Burton pick out for me. & he helps vs the run when the NT is off the field

[@thecincinnatikid5133]

You called it and re-convinced me that this was a great fit at 18 and you were absolutely right. Great draft, smart picks even in the odd ones.

[@rbbrbb4715]

All has 1st round talent if healthy, he may be our #1 TE by next year

[@newfoundmoralclarity]

Hasn't played a season of football since 2021

[@TheSokodelic]

​@@newfoundmoralclarity....Uhhh... wrong...he played last year...🤦

[@ryanhenes6104]

@@TheSokodelica full season

[@Jason-Austin]

We haven't had much luck drafting DTs lately.. Zach Carter, Tyler Shelvin, etc.. I really hope Jenkins and Jackson will change all that.

[@JL-mb7om]

Or O line

[@Mattmusic11111111]

Jenkins is a high character leader he will be better than those guys for sure

[@louiseregan2498]

James, you did good. Appreciated your insights!

[@williamhouse8602]

Who Dey LFG. Love the picks!!!

[@halc5975]

With Burton, in Housh we trust. He sounded the most grateful out of all of our calls. Idc what these character issues even are but I definitley trust Zac when it comes to allowing players with the right attitude.

[@pdureska7814]

All missed most of ‘22 due to back surgery then most of ‘23 due to ACL. Huge risk. I would have not taken him earlier than round 6. I agree with your grades for the most part. We needed a running back and only one TE in a weak TE class

[@WaterMeA-biscuit]

Anything that has to do with back surgery for a player should definitely raise up alarms for coaches especially if it's spinal.

[@davidgilmore71]

I agree but also all won't see the field this year either way so really just a project pick

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks go bengals I'm optimistic about the picks!

[@finn.j5457]

Bit sad that Estimé left the board 2 Picks before the Bengals in Round 5

[@Mattmusic11111111]

What this class will come down to for me is simply health. Lots of dudes with injury concerns if these guys can stay on the field I think they will have some guys that can be really good

[@oscarvarela9870]

Thank you sooo much James, great coverage, hi from México, your friends from WhoDey Nation En Español and Somos Bengals, hopefully one day you could come to our podcast, it would be a great honor for us.

[@Mattmusic11111111]

Jenkins is my favorite pick not just because we share a last name but because he will just be a steady leader that stuffs the run someone In the afc north you really need

[@dogeman9040]

I like the new CBT light in the background

[@jeffreymcdowell7189]

I enjoyed your perspective. Thank you.

[@fearmpgaming2334]

They was always taking Burton in the 3rd. Did you not see Taylor reaction to that pick. They was super pumped about that pick. Mims is my most concerned pick. He dont have the experience and Frank Pollack has not shown he can develope guys at all

[@fredbetts3514]

It wasn't perfect but I'm happy with it! WHO DEY!!

[@24KLuxury]

I don’t think there’s really a such thing as a perfect draft until you actually see how the players match up in the season. Sometimes you might draft a sleeper and they turn out to be your best pick, other times you draft a high prospect and they don’t fill out very well.

[@jonparker1712]

Burton will mold to the Joe B and Chase way. I’m confident posting that.

[@notoriginalbutworks]

the scores avg to a C+ which was my overall grade on this class as well. Thats without weighing the lower picks with less importance than the high. If you factor that in, im going to say B-

[@ChrisZito-bv8ob]

Every year same thing ..amazing draft.. 😊

[@brianharless4155]

Good Draft

[@wjebel]

A number of youtube analysts had Burton rated as a round 2 pick based on his skill level and had him as around the 14th best receiver available. Not sure how useful ranking players is if a guy fits a team need. If Burton's skill set enhances what Chase & Higgins can do better than a higher ranked receiver like Troy Franklin. Also, if we get cute and someone takes the nose tackle we want, then Cleveland, Shitsburg & Baltimore run all over us, who cares at that point if our 4th draft pick was rated a higher value than McKinnley?

[@garyward7923]

Same thing the Lions did last year and everyone said they reached. Laporta, Branch, Gibbs, and Campbell in the same draft. All starters and contributors, no matter the draft order.

[@bossesg1]

I'm excited for the picks! I don't see why they didn't get a starter in the first round but otherwise I like the picks and I'm sure Amarius Mims will be a great player, sitting a first round pick never feels right. I think they're underestimating the LB position and fullback/bigger RB type of guys. A Samaje Perine type of guy is missing from this roster. Both our starting RB's are on the smaller side. Seems like we have too many TE's but I would love for them to start utilizing that position more like the Patriots used to, Chiefs, etc. Who Dey!

[@Jake_Conley]

We have to address Tobin’s and Blackburn’s refusal to trade up. I hope all of these guys hit and have great careers, but if they don’t we have to stop going “well they like player X he just didn’t fall”. Teams with much more history of success are making these kinds of trades.

[@michaelwilkerson500]

I don't think teams were dealing for anyone wanting to trade up. But later rounds i feel we were stagnant not trying to trade up. Ravens traded up a couple times and got excellent draft, while we weren't aggressive at so called being all in.

[@ethanwilson1795]

Surprised they didn’t take a rb at all

[@WaterMeA-biscuit]

Although our draft may not have been an A, we have to remember we have picked up some weapons like Geno Stone during the offseason and reunited with Von. Many of our injured players like Cam is back and hopefully can stay healthy. I do wish we would of went after a power RB, we picked up Moss but I have my doubts for him. It all comes down to if our players can stay healthy and their surgeries haven't affected their performance.

[@barmogan]

I think the bigger question is Erick All’s moustache

[@gregorymerritt2528]

I don't understand people going up on chase brown crying for another 5th round back when Chase Brown showed he deserves a shot

[@gingernation7836]

I honestly think we had a good TE room before the draft i think they are not really given Tanner Hudson and Mikey G a chance they have strong hands and soild route runners and Sample is a good blocker. Im not saying its perfect but Hudson has a good connection with Burrow and Browning already

[@gingernation7836]

If everyone stays healthy and the o-line holds up with a decent run game can we see 3 receivers with a 1000 yards? Possibly 700 yard rusher and a 600 yard tight end sounds good to me lol

[@AirtimeAerial]

Sorry you were scared of Burton Jimmy, but our locker room can MORE than handle any sort of preciousness he can bring lol..he'll either swim or sink in the NFL..bc just like ole Glanville said " ..that stands for NOT FOR LONG" if there are any dumbass episodes lol. So waaay more upside than any possibility it hurts the team. Remember, we already have 2 young and very viable receivers from last years draft and that can play up, in Yoshi and Chuckie Sizzle 😘✊️ This was the best possible 'pick em' pick ever 💯

[@gingernation7836]

100percent agree our culture in that locker room is probably one of the best ever and Von Bell brings back that fire to

[@BradClaps]

Imagine if every year from now on Cincinnati drafts a 6’8 350lb lineman lol

[@lsudan6964]

Definitely Pollock being tested here, he needs to develop Mims and that C in 7th or we may need a new OL coach…

[@gweadadon]

Let’s get it

[@marktaylor3726]

10 A's for me until proven wrong. Every major need was addressed. Remember, we need to get cheaper to accommodate Joe and Ja'marr's contracts. 1 and 9 will keep us alive.

[@owen730]

Zac was gassed up about the Burton pick. I don't think I've ever seen him that excited. If he believes, I believe

[@stevenhead7593]

OL has one weakness LG. They did nothing to improve it.

[@geraldparrish1625]

At face value it appears that way. But the center out of Miami being a 7th round pick could be the biggest sleeper. He could be the starter moving Karras to guard and then Volson could be a depth piece at either guard position. There is always free agency and roster cuts to come too. Stay tuned.

[@LearningFromExperienceTV]

I think our first 4 picks will all be great and HELP this team.Everything else is a we will see 🤷🏾‍♂️🤨

[@johnhitz1185]

Eric All instead of Jaylen Wright? I don't think so! We needed a fast, change of pace back who can contribute right away more than a rehabbing tight end. I would also have taken Jared Verse at 18, but I believe Mims was the right pick as long as Byron Murphy improves as a pass rusher and Mims is starting and playing well eventually.

[@miranda6939]

Jaylen wright FS but if I drafted te it would have been cade stover

[@geraldparrish1625]

@@miranda6939I get the concern for All’s health and maybe going another way for immediate value. Cade Stover was already gone by this pick.

[@terrylbateman4030]

I really like the draft for the Bengals who dey all day 😊

[@Bomber8552]

I truly don’t understand why Burton over Roman Wilson. Yeah he is a little smaller but, less worry about off field issues. Big risk but potentially high reward. Same with Erick All. Why not take AJ Barner or Cade Stover with less injury history? I think Burton and All are the most swing for the fences picks I’ve seen in awhile and can’t remember the last time they “developed” a player that has potential in these middle rounds, but whatever they got their guys and they seem happy so WHO DEY! 🐅

[@geraldparrish1625]

All is the biggest risk because of health. If he can stay injury free we have a gem. Burton is more about character. I believe TJ Houshmenzada has reassured the Bengals on him. He is like an unofficial scout when it comes to Jermaine because of his working with him.

[@asandman354]

This draft felt a bit too much like the past Bengals’ teams engaging in bargain hunting. Targeting untested players, players with character concerns, and players with injury concerns. Drafting high potential while relying on the coaching, culture, and luck to compensate for the risks. It hasn’t exactly worked out great for us in the past. And considering we’ve currently got 2 important players asking to be traded, maybe the culture isn’t everything it is portrayed as.

[@fearmpgaming2334]

They took a bunch off chances and put bodies in places we needed depth. I like the wr and te picks. Idk ig we will see. It could be a great deaft or one of the worst yet. Depends on how our 1st pick turns out and some of the others

[@christophercrowley9535]

Are you on the Bengals payroll? You were way too lenient on the Saturday grades when it's very probable that only 2 of them make the team. We ignored the guard position? Take a look at our depth there.

[@andrewb8017]

Hard to trust them after picks like Price & Carman

[@dashaallen]

Stop hating 😂

[@thomasv9258]

Anarius’ tape was awesome, who cares if it was 8 games. He was a 5 start recruit and started at Georgia. His tape against JT from OSU was significantly better than Olu and Alts

[@cecilbrown681]

Well/ love this draft/ the top 4 will be pro bowllers/the two defensive lineman was made for the afc north/ the Alabama receiver/ was made for number 9/a great receiver/ he is perfect for the afc north/ the team knew all the problems and they addressed it/they sent a message to the afc north/ we are back/ the wide receiver has joe burrow name stamped all over it and Zac taylor/ he jumped out of his chair with that pick

[@raivissveicars]

I like McKinnley pick but I'd feel better about it in 4th round. I don't believe he'd still be there at 5th round tho. Latest mock drafts by analysts got us all fooled. Before Brugler basically tagged him almost undraftable, he was 3rd/4th round pick, 5th at the veary least. Would be foolish to think Bengals scouts didn't see what some analysts saw. There is analysts who watcehd his tape in 2023 and was in ave of him. I think the truth is somwhere in the middle. He probably isnt 3rd round pick but not 6th or 7th also

[@TLDelapore]

I give the Burton pick an A if they give him #3 and a B- if they make him take another #.

[@geraldparrish1625]

That’s right. The 513. Tee, Uno and Burton.

[@JMRBR]

Damn those c's. It was a great draft what you talking bout willis?

[@barrydavis4238]

U need to watch tape instead of read Mocks Tanner will stretch the middle 2nd best TE in the draft.

[@rbbrbb4715]

Top 5 picks are really good, bottom 5 EEH!

[@geraldparrish1625]

Most people are high on the center and the defensive end. The other three can be surprises. The cornerback has a shot at making the active roster. The tight end and safety have the longest odds. One tight end should make the active roster and the other the practice squad.

[@geraldparrish1625]

Burton should start as the third wide receiver. Both defensive tackles will contribute. The two tight ends will compete with Hudson and Sample for playing time. Gesicki baring injury is #1, Sample because of his blocking is 2. Hudson and one of the rookies will round out 3 and 4. The other should be on the practice squad. I think Newton will compete with Ivey for playing time but he will make the active roster. The center will make the roster as a contributor too. So I think seven Will definitely make the active roster with three being role players and one a starter. Mims, Newton and the surviving tight end will suit up on game day too. That leaves three to be put on the practice squad or waived. Unless they beat a veteran out. The 6th round pick at defensive end might make it. His former teammate at Ole Miss is in a deep position at safety with Anderson behind Battle, Bell and Stone. That is with Hill moving to corner.

[@adamhellman9373]

I don't love grading the draft beucse it ussuly don't mean anything. This off-season, you should go back and grade past drafts. That makes more sence. And compare it to your original grades

[@itstrizzo]

Great review...left the homerism out of it. The way you described Josh Newton makes him look like a Hilton clone. And I agree that McLachlan was a wasted pick...especially after signing Gesicki, Hudson and Sample. Makes no sense at all.

[@ydinoh]

What was a bizzy krayzie...😂😂😂

[@Veterans_for_Harris]

"If he can stay healthy".

[@TrendSettaRico]

Who Dey

[@kystars]

I think the BIG question is the health os JOE BURROW.. IF Burrow goes down again, season over. They CAN GET back to the Super Bowl if Burrow is healthy.

[@notoriginalbutworks]

Burton should be great but you cannot compare him to mr perfect maturity McLaurin

[@Antoinemalone]

I felt this was an A. Like the newton pick.... SHEEIIIIIT!😂

[@gothard5]

I don’t know what you mean by top 30 visit

[@BengalsTalk]

Teams get 30 in person visits with prospects before the draft. They bring in their “top 30” to visit. It can be any player eligible for the draft, even if they’re projected to be a late rounder or undrafted player

[@thecincinnatikid5133]

What outside of shoving a fan that rushed the field (unfortunately a female) makes him have character issues? That’s a mistake, has he done more than this?

[@kevinhart8339]

Let Duke Cook!!!

[@jasonhopson7969]

I had a b also

[@barmogan]

Seems like All should be more than a C. Pro: Iowa Con: health and mustache

[@ryanhenes6104]

How are you gonna say All was your favorite pick on the Locked On episode then give it a C?

[@yungwun8615]

First!

[@newfoundmoralclarity]

Overall pretty good. First 3 picks great. Giant reach for Jackson but I get it. Wouldn't have touched All in the 4th with a ten foot pole. That pick has Mike Brown written all over it. Should've gone up and gotten Estime in the 5th. May as well light the 6th round edge pick on fire, those guys never work. Love Lee and McLachlin where they were drafted. Biggest boo by far is the failure to add any competition or depth at guard. That's what should have been taken instead of the giant medical red flag in the 4th

[@craigharris41]

1st

[@leehall6097]

Sorry to say, I think the grade should be closer to a D. There is a 53 man roster. A max of 4 of the players the bengals drafted will make the cut.. only the Karis Jenkins will Start and play 2024

[@Mattmusic11111111]

If you think Trent brown is going to start 17 games I guess I will take it but he never has so mims will play

[@geraldparrish1625]

I hope you’re correct about Kris Jenkins. You obviously overlooked Jermaine Burton as the third wide receiver. He my friend will undoubtedly start. I think the center Lee from Miami will surprise too.

[@johnhitz1185]

If you really think it's "a max of four", you're predicting Jackson will be cut. Possibly, but then you're guessing that 5 out of 6 day 3 picks will be cut from a roster with mediocre depth at cornerback, edge, and interior O-line, and only one proven receiving threat among the tight ends. No way. Getting cut is one thing, not panning out after a couple of years is another. This was a good draft by any unbiased standard.

[@Mattmusic11111111]

There wasn’t holes on this roster where guys were going to start you think a majority of the chiefs picks will be starting hell no good teams use the draft for depth you don’t want draft picks starting unless you have to

[@Montrovantis]

Mims: A+ (98) - The Bengals finally took a guy with tremendous upside whose production and athletic scores match. Has the potential to be Munoz Jr or Becton Jr. Probably closer to Munoz. Jenkins: C (75) - This should actually be lower after news came out that they were in on Newton but thought the price "too high" to move up and get him. Instead they got Jenkins and Jackson. Timid draft approach is and was punished. I'd rather have Newton and Boyd rather than Jenkins, Jackson and Johnson Burton: A (94) - I would have given this a B if I didn't trust the Bengals to draft 1 position: WR. I wanted AD Mitchell as he fell and fell. But this is a nice consolation prize for waiting. Jackson: D (66) - See above. The pick as just the Bengals operating and letting need make their pick. This pick could have been used to get Newton. But we have camp fodder. All: C- (71) - There were 10 year starters available at IOL at this pick and the Bengals finally got their TE room situated. This was a low upside luxury pick with better options available. Newton: D- (65) - See above. Might have a special teams role or to become CB 5. Needed CB 1/2. There were more impactful players available here. McLaclan: B (85) - This is a free for all. Draft attributes and see if you can coach them. The Bengals drafted attributes at a potential position of need. Johnson: B (85) - See above. Anthony: C+ (77) - I just don't understand this pick in an already packed DB room full of hybrids they can't find positions for, featuring one 1st round pick already. Lee: A (97) - Shipped a pick on a player at a position of need with the tools to become a potential long term starter or, if not, cost nothing to try. Overall grade is somewhere between a C+ and a B-. Drafts like these keep your franchise treading water but also ensure you never get ahead of the roster curve and accrue excess (ala Chiefs of today and Patriots of yesteryear). Next year the Bengals will find themselves in much the same need to overpay in FA and nail draft picks to solve many positions of need, which will be RB, CB 1/2, DE, OG, LB, WR and TE. The Bengals will be extremely fortunate to come away from the 2024 draft with 3 quality starters.

[@WaterMeA-biscuit]

I really think the Jackson pick may be a flop, just by the phone interview alone speaks volumes. It was a big contrast compared to the other players drafted, it sounded like he wasn't very eager to play for Cincy; I'm hoping his lack of enthusiasm doesn't contribute to his performance on the field.

[@halc5975]

Who is Andrew Fox Miller

[@BengalsTalk]

I ask myself this every day. -Andrew

[@RaydinAE11]

Kinda feeling bad for DJ ivy.

[@geraldparrish1625]

Why? I think he will flourish this year. He will compete with the rookie Newton. He will make the most of his opportunities.

[@andrewhiedelburg4576]

Zero interior online depth

[@kevinstuttler4687]

Our secondary is absolutely pathetic!!!! I hope Newton can help fix that.

[@Avenlane]

Cam Britt was injured, Nick Scott was a total wash, and Dax will now move to his natural CB position. Geno Stone was a solid FA pickup at safety, we get Vonn Bell back, and they drafted 2 more DB's. the "pathetic" secondary has been completely overhauled.

[@kevinstuttler4687]

@@Avenlane I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens this year. We addressed a lot of issues and I'm pleased with that. I think we might actually be able to keep Burrow on his toes and allow him to do his job. I really hope that is the case.

[@JL-mb7om]

This franchise stinks at drafting o line. They most likely missed again. Dude is hurt a lot

[@JL-mb7om]

What a terrible pick Erick All was

[@geraldparrish1625]

Maybe a bit of a reach in the 4th round due to his health issues but a great asset if he pans out.

[@jagercousins5803]

We should throw him in there at left guard next to Orlando

[@geraldparrish1625]

Can’t hurt to tinker in training camp.

[@jagercousins5803]

@@geraldparrish1625 bc honestly Cordell he’s good, but if we can have another 6”8 lineman that can truly block I say we put him at guard they even said in his thing that he can switch from left to right so I assume that he can play guard I know guards a little bit different. I played the entire line beside center my entire career, so I know it’s a little bit different and a little bit of a transition but honestly it’s not that bad.

[@googlelovesfatcock6987]

Classic BOOM or BUST draft, even if these picks are considered average in the next 3 years, it is a success. Our previous drafts other than round 1 have been ass