Monday, May 7, 2018

2018 NFL Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals finished just 7-9 last season, and yet Marvin Lewis still has a job. This draft may have him grasping for one last shot. They had priority needs at CB, DL, LB, OL, and QB. Here are my pick grades for the Bengals for the 2018 draft...

C Billy Price, Ohio State
He was projected as a 2nd rounder, and some would say that his decision to have surgery and skip the combine would hurt him, but the Bengals bought into him. It wasn't as much a reach as some would think, and he could start sometime this coming season.
Grade: A

S Jamie Bates, Wake Forest
Bates was given a 2nd round grade, so the value was there. If he can become a true tackler rather than a hitter, his value could increase in time.
Grade: B

DE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Hubbard was the second Buckeye picked by the Bengals. He ended up with a late 1st round grade by some, and fits a primary need. Very raw, and still a work in progress.
Grade: B

LB Malik Jefferson, Texas
The Bengals stuck with going after needs, and got great value with this pick. Smart drafting carried through the first two days.
Grade: A

RB Mark Walton, Miami
If he is healthy, this pick was a pure steal, but he is still working back from injury. Still, the value was great, even if there was not a pressing need for the position.
Grade: B

CB Davontae Harris, Illinois State
On day 3 you are looking for developmental guys that can help you in various ways. This pick did exactly that, and with 4th round value, you could not beat the pick.
Grade: A

DT Andrew Brown, Virginia
Got a 4th round graded player in the 5th, and again, is developmental help at a need spot. Another solid decision.
Grade: A

CB Darius Phillips, Western Michigan
You could see this player covering slots this season with a good camp. Considering grading, he was a small reach, but with no 6th round picks, the Bengals had to get their guy.
Grade: B

QB Logan Woodside, Toledo
One of the most productive QBs in the nation over the last few years, Woodside stays in state and starts the developmental journey as a backup in the league. Solid get, solid value.
Grade: A

OG Rod Taylor, Ole Miss
He had been graded out as 7th round, fits a need, and the Bengals get a developmental player at a need spot once again.
Grade: B

WR Auden Tate, Florida State
Tate was a guy who was flying up draft boards, but still settled to the 7th round. Graded as high as 4th round by some, Tate was arock solid grab here.
Grade: A

Priority Needs Filled In First Two Days: 4
Total Points: 39
Average Points Per Pick: 3.55
Grade: A

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