The Bengals’ seventh-round pick is Lamar Jackson and not the reigning league MVP from their AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens. This Lamar Jackson is a cornerback from Nebraska.
While the Bengals may have a loaded cornerback room in 2020 between William Jackson III, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Dre Kirkpatrick, and Darius Phillips, it likely won’t be as crowded in 2021. Kirkpatrick is still a potential candidate to be released this offseason or next, William Jackson III is entering a contract year, and Mackensie Alexander was only signed to a one year a contract. Trae Waynes and Darius Phillips are currently the only Bengals’ cornerbacks under contract for the 2021 season.
Jackson would be a depth pick, not now, but for the future. He would likely spend his rookie season on the practice squad and get a chance to compete for a roster spot in 2021 depending on what the Bengals do about retaining their corners.
Overall, the Bengals draft haul after seven rounds would be one to be excited about. They would be adding a franchise-changing quarterback, revamp their linebacker position, make their wide receiver group elite, and add depth at positions where it is needed.