Who Will The Cincinnati Bengals Take Ninth Overall?

It’s Draft Day! The experts at Stripe Hype are ready to make the pick. Here is who we think Cincinnati will take ninth overall.

The NFL Draft is here, and tonight the Cincinnati Bengals are just hours away from being on the clock. Over the past months, the Bengals have scouted the top prospects. Truth is, only Marvin Lewis and Co. truly know who they want to become the newest member of the organization.

But, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks up to the podium and utters these words… “With the ninth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select…” anything could happen. It’s the Bengals!

Here’s who we think the Bengals are going to take tonight.

Emile Pierce, Site Expert, @wurdzpoet

O.J. Howard, Tight End, Alabama Crimson Tide

If I had to put cash on it, Howard would be my guy. I like his combination of speed and athleticism. That fact that a guy his size ran a sub 5-second 40-yard dash from his measurables is impressive. He’s an Eifert insurance clause. In order for the Bengals to get back to piling up W’s, Andy Dalton needs a stable target in the lineup. Add Tyler Eifert‘s contract year to the back story and this is a pick that could pay dividends quickly.

Larry Spicer, Contributor, @LarryBSpicer

Solomon Thomas, Defensive End, Stanford Cardinal 

Cincinnati Bengals

With the ninth pick of the NFL Draft, I believe the Cincinnati Bengals should select Stanford Defensive End Solomon Thomas. Thomas is a 6-foot-3, 280-pound lineman who shows tremendous versatility. He has excellent hands and technique rushing from the inside, and can play in the nickel alongside Geno Atkins from the get go. The Stanford product has more than enough athleticism to develop into a dominant edge rusher. King Solomon is also strong in run defense and would add tremendous depth to the Bengals’ defensive line. Send in the card!

Ryan Sallmann, Contributor, @RyanSallmann

Jonathan Allen, Defensive End, Alabama Crimson Tide

With the ninth overall pick in the first round, the Bengals will go defense and select Alabama’s Jonathan Allen. While the offense was certainly lacking last year, the prospect of getting Allen is too good to pass up. At Alabama, Allen amassed 69 tackles, 16 tackles for losses, and 10.5 sacks. Plus, since Domata Peko is no longer with the team, an impact player on the line would be welcomed. The only question is, will Allen still be on the board by the time the Bengals make their pick? If he is, this could mean great things for the men in stripes.

Sheikh Uddin, Contributor, @sheikh_iu

Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee Volunteers

Fact: Derek Barnett had more production than projected expected No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. Also, more of Barnett’s sacks, hits, hurries are against elite competition. I would love Jonathan Allen, but I’m expecting him to be gone by then. Perhaps the scariest thing about Barnett is he’s only 20. The Tennessee kid has tons of room to grow and become the future at DE for the Orange and Black. Cincinnati should sprint to the podium if Barnett is available.

Tino Bovenzi, Contributor, @TinoBovenzi

O.J. Howard, Tight End, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Bengals are in a tricky spot at No. 9 overall and have several major holes to fill. Although there may be more pressing needs at linebacker, defensive end or even receiver, I think Howard is a no-brainer for the Bengals. Howard was a combine star and is considered the best tight end in this year’s loaded draft class. That speaks volumes to me and I believe adding Howard would be a step toward success in Cincy. He stood out at Alabama on the biggest stage — twice. He’ll immediately impact the Bengals offense, providing a two-tight end attack that’ll take the double teams off of A.J. Green. If he’s available at nine, expect Cincy to pull the trigger. Bang!

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Following the Bengals Draft Moves

We don’t know about you, but we’re running out of fingernails to bite off. Good thing the NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. on ESPN. We will be posting new content as soon as the pick comes in. Keep an eye out for our instant analysis, and don’t forget to continue the discussion in the comment section, or on Facebook and Twitter. As always, thanks for reading and Go Bengals! Who Dey!