Cincinnati Bengals Best 2020 Draft Options Rounds 1-3
By Blake Jewell
![ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fstripehype-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1186865705-850x560-16b5b8b15ff5e99990157d61ef28313f.jpg)
Kenneth Murray, LB
It’s unknown if Kenneth Murray will be available at 33, but should he be there when the Bengals are on the clock, Zac Taylor and company should pull the trigger.
Murray is an exceptional athlete, something the Bengals could use more of on the defensive side of the ball. The Oklahoma linebacker is a consistent tackler and a solid zone coverage linebacker as well.
The Bengals absolutely have to improve their coverage at the linebacker position, and getting an athletic linebacker in Murray immediately addresses that problem.
There aren’t many flaws in Murray’s game. He has great burst to shoot gaps, the athletic ability to be solid in coverage, and the tackling ability you want from a young linebacker.
Noah Igbinoghene, CB
Cornerback is slowly becoming a position of need in Cincinnati. William Jackson had an inconsistent season in 2019, Darqueze Dennard struggles with injuries and could leave in free agency this offseason, and Dre Kirkpatrick may be on his way out the door. The Bengals could have a chance to grab a young cornerback at pick 33 if they choose to do so.
Noah Igbinoghene is an athletic cornerback out of Auburn. After switching to corner his sophomore year from wide receiver, Igbinoghene is now getting grades as early as the first round.
The 21-year-old stand out keeps great leverage, has adequate balance in man coverage, and elite body control. He is still developing in some areas due to less experience in the secondary, but Igbinoghene is a high potential player and someone Bengals fans should keep an eye on at this point in the draft.
Denzel Mims, WR
Denzel Mims out of Baylor looks like he could be a great fit for the Bengals receiving core. The 6’3″, 206-pound wide receiver has great ball skills, and his athletic ability puts him in a position where he can make a play. He’s very explosive for his size as well, giving him the ability to make something happen after the catch.
There is speculation that the Bengals are looking to go after wide receivers on day two of the draft, with some uncertainty at the position on the current roster. Mims’ play style pairs extraordinarily well with Tyler Boyd and John Ross, and although he plays similar to Auden Tate, he is more athletic.
Bringing in another offensive weapon for Burrow is the right move, and Mims could be that guy.