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Bold Predictions for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2020 Draft

ByAaron Burd|
IOWA CITY, IOWA - SEPTEMBER 07: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates his sack during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA - SEPTEMBER 07: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates his sack during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 25: Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin of the Cincinnati Bengals speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Duke Tobin
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 25: Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin of the Cincinnati Bengals speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Duke Tobin

There will be at least one trade (and it won’t involve the first pick)

There has been a lot of unfounded talk that the front office should trade out of the first pick in exchange for a king’s ransom. While I see no way that the Bengals trade out of an opportunity to draft Joe Burrow, I do expect at least one trade to be made.

Andy Dalton has wanted a trade ever since he was benched in the middle of the 2019 season. While that has not yet happened, the draft could be the perfect time to move the longtime Cincinnati quarterback. He likely won’t be exchanged for a day two pick but could fetch a fourth or fifth-round pick from a team looking for competition or a backup.

With how highly valued the 33rd pick will be, they could also trade back in the second round. If a player like Jordan Love falls to their pick, a quarterback desperate team could part ways with a premium pick to move up to the Bengals’ spot.

The Bengals could also move up in the draft. While it is not a common thing for the front office to do, the official team website indicated they may have tried in the second round of the 2019 Draft. In addition to those rumors, they successfully traded up in the fourth round in 2019. It’s been a new approach to the offseason for Cincinnati in 2020 and that could show itself in the draft should they choose to move up for a player they covet.

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