Author: Hunter Bittinger
Round 1, Pick 1:
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU– This selection is easy. Bring the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck home to Ohio and watch as he alters the franchise. His firey leadership and impeccable work ethic should help the Bengals in the battle for the AFC North.
Trade:
The Chargers could be looking to find a new young quarterback. If Jalen Hurts, Jacob Eason, or even Jake Fromm are sitting there at the top of day two, don’t be surprised if the phones in Cincinnati ring. Depending on how the board falls, the Bengals could move back, grab an extra fourth-round pick, and still get the guy they wanted at selection 33.
Round 2, Pick 37:
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC- An outstanding receiver from USC, Pittman racked up 1,275 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his final collegiate year. This gives the Bengals a deadly array of pass-catchers and a guy for Burrow to grow with. It also provides insurance in case of injury or losing a receiver to free agency a year from now.
Round 3, Pick 65:
Matthew Peart, OT, UConn- The Bengals get Burrow some protection here in Peart. He’s got a ton of physical tools to work with and an extremely high ceiling. He should be able to help the right side of the line at the very beginning of his NFL foray.
Round 4, Pick 107:
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming- The Bengals finally address linebacker, but they get a good one in Logan Wilson. He’s a good athlete and has the ability to play all three downs, which is just what the defense needs. He’s an all-around solid player and will help the linebacker unit immediately.
Round 4, Pick 112:
Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis- Gibson is listed as a running back but he’s really an offensive weapon all over the field, as he can produce as a wide receiver and in the return game as well. He should come in right away and give Zac Taylor some extra firepower as an exciting playmaker.
Round 5, Pick 147:
Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA- Asiasi is an athletic tight end that gives the Bengals a big-bodied receiver in the passing game. Burrow has never played with a player such as Asiasi, which could unlock a part of his game we’ve never seen before. It’s all about giving him as many weapons as possible to make the NFL transition smoother.
Round 7, Pick 215:
Chris Orr, LB, Wisconsin- The Bengals make another addition to their linebacker unit, this time in Chris Orr. He’s an outstanding pass-rushing linebacker, earning 11.5 sacks in his senior campaign. He should have the ability to make an immediate impact in that regard, as well as help on special teams. He has the ability to develop into much more as well.