Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Players from Championship Saturday to target

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 21: Nick Grant #1 and Charles Snowden #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers tackle Kesean Strong #1 of the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second half during a game at Scott Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Jashon Cornell #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Bengals seem to always add at least one defensive lineman each draft class to bolster the trenches. Jashon Cornell from Ohio State fits the mold of what the front office typically looks for. If he wasn’t on the teams radar before, he should be now. He made a statement with a three sack performance against Wisconsin.

He is under the radar due to the talented players he suits up with, but make no mistake about it, Cornell can hold his own. As of week 8, Pro Football Focus had given him a stellar grade of 90.9 on the season.

The senior defensive tackle offers a blend of experience, versatility, and upside that would make him a valuable addition. He began his college career as a defensive end before kicking inside to crack through Ohio State’s loaded depth chart. With that prior experience on the edge, he has great pass rush ability for an interior guy. Pairing him with Geno Atkins could spell disaster for opposing teams in obvious passing situations.

As a redshirt senior, he has had plenty of time under one of the best developmental defensive line coaches around, Larry Johnson. The Bengals would be getting a player who is sound in his technique and could contribute early.