Every Cincinnati Bengals Development/Rumor from the Combine

With the 2020 scouting combine now in the books, let’s recap every Cincinnati Bengals rumor, development, and news story to come from the event. 

The scouting combine never fails to generate excitement among the respective NFL fanbases and this year is no different, especially for followers of the Cincinnati Bengals. With plenty of new information and hints to what the future may hold for the team, let’s dive into all of the developments.

Joe Burrow

• Joe Burrow officially ended the rumors that he would spurn his home state in his combine press conference, telling reporters he would happily report to the Bengals if drafted by them
• Burrow heavily impressed Bengals brass in his first interview according to the team’s website, further solidifying the idea he is the favorite to go #1 overall
• According to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, one NFL executive put Burrow in the same category as Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson, saying they were all remarkable
• Burrow earned a pro comparison to Tom Brady from analyst Daniel Jerimiah

First Pick

• According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., Duke Tobin stated that the team trading the first overall selection is doubtful
• Tua Tagovailoa stated he met with the Bengals during a combine interview, showing they’re doing their due diligence

The Draft

• Beyond Burrow, the Bengals website has seemed to indicate they are looking at heavily upgrading the defensive side of the ball
• Signs point towards the idea that defense will more than likely be the pick in round two

Free Agency

• ESPN’s Ben Baby reported that Tobin said in regard to free agency, “It’s not a question of whether we’re going to spend.”
• Zac Taylor stated while speaking to media at the combine that the team knows A.J. Green will be a Bengal come September. Whether it’s on the franchise tag or a long term deal remains to be seen
• Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com is reporting the Browns are going to let linebacker Joe Schobert hit free agency and Joe Mixon took to Twitter to recruit him

Andy Dalton

• The Bengals and Bears were reportedly in contact about Andy Dalton, per The Athletics Paul Dehner Jr.
• According to Lindsay Jones of The Athletic, Dalton could be in high demand around the league and net a second or third-round pick in a trade
• Tom Brady is reportedly seriously considering leaving New England, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, potentially giving the Bengals another organization to engage in trade talks with for Dalton
• Beyond the Bears and Patriots, Ian Rapoport has listed the Colts as a potential trade partner for Dalton

The Offensive Line

• Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said in an interview with the team website that he would have no problem with a starting five that consisted of Jonah Williams, Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, John Miller, and Bobby Hart
• He stated the team would upgrade the position group if the opportunity arose
• They’re expecting a developmental jump from Michael Jordan and Fred Johnson
• Bengals senior writer Geoff Hobson stated the team is expected to move on from Cordy Glenn after a dispute strained the relationship between him and the franchise last season
• According to NBC Sports Thor Nystrom, the Bengals are among one of three teams that have shown the most interest in interior offensive line prospect Netane Muti

Overall, the combine was a productive week for the Bengals.

The team seems to have developed a good foundation with Joe Burrow. In addition, their plans for returning to contention are beginning to come into focus. Free agency seems like it will factor into their off-season equation more than it has historically and their draft plan looks to be leaning towards going defensive heavy.

Zac Taylor, Duke Tobin, and the scouting department accomplished what they needed to in Indianapolis. Now, the front office towards their attention to March 18, when free agency begins.