There was quite a bit of WHO DEY in Detroit
It was not clear what the Cincinnati Bengals would do in the 2024 NFL Draft in the first round – the Bengals had holes seemingly everywhere on the roster. After letting DT DJ Reader walk, many thought they’d target that position early on, and…they did. With WR Tee Higgins disgruntled after contract extension talks have stalled for over a year, and the lack of security for him playing on the franchise tag, many thought they’d target a WR early, and…they did. The history of Joe Burrow’s injuries, and many contacts, there was plenty who thought they’d take a big time tackle to help protect him, and…they did. This article will cover ALL of the Cincinnati Bengals picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, alongside video & grades of where they got the player at. We got you covered.
Round 1, Pick 18
Amarius Mims
OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims was quite the surprise here, I think there was a lot of industry folks who felt that the Bengals would’ve went with Byron Murphy here with the 18th pick had the Seattle Seahawks not taken him. There’s not much you can hate on when it comes to Amarius Mims, the guy is a physical specimen, an incredible human being, and a future captain of the team. Mims is 6’7″, 350 lbs. He had limited starts in Georgia, but the talent is undeniable. There is no denying his ability to develop into an All-Pro and continue to protect the diamond of the franchise, Joe Burrow. There shouldn’t be too many EDGEs in the league able to get around him consistently. Amarius has not allowed a single sack in 372 career snaps at D1 powerhouse Georgia. The talent is there. Frank Pollack will have to be in the lab to help him develop.
Place GRADE: B+
I believe Mims would’ve been on the board further down, potentially falling to the 2nd round. The development necessary when it comes to Mims is the reason I’d take it out of the ‘A’ level. He wouldn’t of been a day 1 starter, and I think we can all agree that’s probably a good thing. For once, I feel like the Bengals have REAL depth in front of Joe Burrow keeping him upright, and for that, I’m excited. It’s not a bad pick at all.
Round 2, Pick 49
Kris Jenkins
DT Michigan
D
Michigan DT Kris Jenkins fits the Cincinnati Bengals roster in many ways. Never mind his raw abilities as a football player; he’s a great student, man, team captain, and more importantly…a National Champion. Those all fit what Head Coach Zac Taylor has fought to maintain in the locker room. As a player, though, and I love ESPN’s Matt Miller comparison, he gives a lot of Christian Barmore vibes. Jenkins is a genuine day 1 starter, some of which we’ll need at that position, and will really step in and provide tremendous value. He only had 4 sacks at Michigan, but there’s plenty of reason to believe he can provide some big time snaps and develop more into a pass rusher at the NFL level. I’m most excited to see him help stuff the run with the help of Rankins.
Place GRADE: A
Round 3, Pick 80
Jermaine Burton
WR, Alabama
The uncertainty surrounding WR Tee Higgins and the likelihood of him playing elsewhere in 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals knew they had to grab a starting caliber wideout before they started coming off the board. In comes Jermaine Burton, a standout at Alabama, a university that produces great WRs year after year. It feels like all signs point toward Burton getting WR3 expectations as of right now with Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones in on that conversation as well.
During the 2023 season, Jermaine found himself under a little bit of heat. The Tennessee Volunteers has just beat Alabama for the first time in a long time at Neyland and the fans stormed the field, some of which led to a confrontation between a Vols fan and Jermaine, whom he had pushed the fan sparking controversy online. The character appears to not be an issue, however, as the Bengals, a team who will gleefully pass on players with mental issues, took a chance on him. He has plenty of talent to make them not regret that decision.
Place GRADE: A-
Round 3, Pick 97 (Comp)
McKinnley Jackson
DT, Texas A&M
McKinnley Jackson will work alongside round 2 pick Kris Jenkins quite well. The Bengals have used quite a bit of picks on the trenches in the last few years. There will be plenty of competition there going into camp. I gotta be honest, of all the picks thus far, this is my least favorite. Even the phone call from coach Taylor to McKinnley was a little bit awkward. I got bad vibes here, but I hope to be proven wrong. He’s a 6’2″ 325 lb DT. 19th overall at his position this draft. I’m not particularly happy with the comp pick we were rewarded being spent here. Probably should’ve taken another WR if anything, or a CB.
Place GRADE: D+
Round 4, Pick 115
Erick All
TE, Iowa
Some may call this a reach, but as far as ceiling goes, there may not be a better TE outside of Bowers in this draft. Erick has dealt with a few injuries, but he has said himself that he will be ready to go “by camp.” He suffered season ending back injury and had surgery on his spine in 2022, in 2023…he tore his ACL. Erick is a Cincinnati area native, and product of Fairfield OH Highschool. A lot of analysts love this pick. I…also love this pick. This is the exact style of TE the Cincinnati Bengals need to deploy for QB Joe Burrow.
Everyone knows Iowa Hawkeyes Tightends go to the NFL and show out. I don’t have any doubt Erick will be the next of them to do just that. Iowa is not ever known for its offense, but Erick still had 300 yards and 3 TDs in limited play in 2023. He’s older, which in turn, means he’s smarter. He can block, run, and catch. Exactly what we’ve needed. He should have a great NFL career running routes and catching passes from Joe Burrow for his hometown team.
Place GRADE: A
Round 5, Pick 149
Josh Newton
CB,TCU
Josh Newton is the definition of day 3 gem. He was a projected 1st rounder who had a relatively bad combine only running a 4.51 40, which resulted in him dropping, but the physicality and brain are there and then some. This is a really good pick and I’m stoked to have him added to the CB room. He will be a great depth piece, and likely a starter at some point in his NFL career. He’s relatively smaller at 5’11” so you’d hope he’d make it up with speed, but I think his brain is the most powerful component to his game. He has very long arms for a smaller dude, and is super physical. This is a great pick. He allowed only one touchdown in 2023. He’s also been a team captain several times, and a participator in the College Football Playoff.
Place GRADE: A+
Round 6, Pick 194
Tanner McLachlan
TE, Arizona
Tanner McLachlan could be an absolute force in this Bengals offense and push the hand of Tanner Hudson. He has great hands, and a great profile to be a TE2 on a roster. This dude is a FOOTBALL guy through and through. He’s not afraid to get lit the hell up at midfield but still hold onto the ball. He’s not afraid to hurdle a defender. I love this pick. He’s 6’5″ 244, ran a 4.61 40, and has a 35″ vert. I’m shocked he made it this far. Getting him in the 6th earns this an A+ grading. He also reset Rob Gronkowski’s Arizona record with 79 receptions. This dude is a big talent.
Place GRADE: A+
Round 6, Pick 214
Cedric Johnson
DE, Ole Miss
Place GRADE: A
Round 7, Pick 224
Daijahn Anthony
DB, Ole Miss
Place GRADE: A+
Round 7, Pick 237
Matt Lee
C Miami
Place GRADE: A+
