2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Grades and Analysis

Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) motivates the crowd against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

OT Jake Fisher, Oregon

In the second round the Bengals took offensive tackle Jake Fisher out of Oregon. Once again I didn’t like this pick initially. The Bengals are an extremely loyal organization and though Andrew Whitworth is getting up in age and becomes a free agent after this season, he’s still one of the best tackles in the league. Whitworth is a Bengal for life and he hasn’t shown any decline in his play; actually, every year he seems to only be getting better. Therefore, since Whitworth is still playing at a high level and the Bengals are extremely loyal, Whitworth isn’t going anywhere until he decides to hang up the cleats.

On the other side, though Andre Smith tends to play very well in contract years, whenever he is on the field he tends to play very well. Smith does have an injury history, yet I believe the Bengals should keep him. But with the high number of important free agents coming up next year, Smith’s injury history, and the selection of Cedric Ogbuehi, Smith now becomes expendable.

The pick itself is a good pick. Jake Fisher will be another staple in the offense for years to come, but the question is when is he going to get his shot? When Whitworth retires two or three years from now? In my opinion, it didn’t make much sense to draft highly talented offensive tackles back-to-back given the Bengals’ current situation at offensive tackle. I understand the selection and I also understand that Fisher is going to need time to fix his technique, but the need and the timing of the pick wasn’t very good.

Selection Grade: C+

Next: Round Three: TE Tyler Kroft