The Cincinnati Bengals drafted a total of 11 players in the 2017 NFL Draft and made two draft day trades.
The Bengals turned in a pretty impressive draft day, addressing needs all over the place. With 11 selections, about half of them will look to produce right out the gate — whether it be a starting role or depth role.
Much like the Buffalo Bills, the Bengals drafted a top-rated wide receiver this year to line up opposite their star receiver. Obviously, the Bills now have Zay Jones and Sammy Watkins, but new cornerback Tre’Davious White will likely be lining up against rookie WR John Ross — who will take some pressure off A.J. Green.
That combo will be lethal.
Also, the Bengals drafted a tight end out of Buffalo in the 7th round, two picks away from being Mr. Irrelevant (which Chad Kelly went home with).
Let’s take a look at the two trades that went down on draft day:
- The Bengals traded their second round (41) to the Vikings for a second round (48) and fourth round (128).
- The Bengals traded their sixth round (217) and seventh round (227) to the Titans for a sixth round (207).
MUST READ: 5 most valuable players on the Bills’ roster
Next, let’s see who these 11 rookies are:
- Round 1 (9): John Ross, WR, Washington
- Round 2 (48): Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
- Round 3 (73): Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
- Round 4 (116): Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
- Round 4 (128): Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee
- Round 4 (138): Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan
- Round 5 (153): Jake Elliott, K, Memphis
- Round 5 (176): J.J. Dielman, OT, Utah
- Round 6 (193): Jordan Evans, OLB, Oklahoma
- Round 6 (207): Brandon Wilson, CB, Houston
- Round 7 (251): Mason Schreck, TE, Buffalo
Most of their picks came in Round 4-6, but they did a good job of drafting quality depth players. The kicker in the fifth round, was that they drafted a kicker in the fifth round. It was a questionable move, but they clearly liked what they saw.
I have a feeling Mason Schreck will surprise people this year, so we could see him on the field when Week 5 rolls around.
Who are you most concerned about seeing this season? John Ross brings a lot of speed and Mixon brings a lot of talent. Not to mention the additions to their defensive line..
Moving on to Week 6 — just kidding! Week 6 is a bye week, so we will skip that one and head to Week 7 — a home game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.