Cincinnati Bengals: Top Remaining Targets After the First Round

With the first round of the 2020 draft officially in the books, we take a look at some of the top prospects the Cincinnati Bengals could target in round two. 

The Cincinnati Bengals got their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow. Now the front office’s attention turns to building around their new man under center.

The first round offered a few surprises, with guys like Jordyn Brooks and Damon Arnette going earlier than expected. That leaves the board looking slightly different than many were expecting, but plenty of good options still remain.

Of course, a trade back is still in the cards for the Bengals who have done so often historically. Here are some prospects that could soon be in stripes if they stay put or move off of selection 33.

Josh Jones, OT, Houston

If the Bengals want to ensure they improve Burrow’s protection immediately, Josh Jones could be their guy. The coaching staff should be well acquainted with the Houston big man, as he put on a show at the combine. He should come in immediately to play right tackle and stabilize that side of the line.

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Denzel Mims would add even more offensive firepower to Zac Taylor’s scheme. He’s a tremendous athlete, running a 4.38 40-yard dash, earning a vertical jump of 38.5 inches, and exploding for a 131-inch broad jump. The production is there too as he had over 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season with the Bears.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

Pittman Jr. is yet another playmaker at the wide receiver position. According to experts, he’s been surging up draft boards. He has the size (6’4″, 220 lbs.) and production (1,275 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns) to be a monster pairing with Burrow.

Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Higgins has a lot of similar attributes to A.J. Green and has actually mentioned Cincy’s star receiver as a guy he models his game after. He reeled in 13 touchdowns in his final season and could immediately produce big numbers with the Bengals.

A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa

There was a point in time where Epenesa was considered a top-15 pick. He put together a poor performance at the combine but the tape is king and his shows plenty of potential. He’d be a versatile piece that could play anywhere along the trenches.

Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming

Wilson may not be a household name, thanks to playing ball at a smaller school. However, there was buzz that the Wyoming linebacker might sneak into the first round. He’s a three-down guy and can cover. Just what the Bengals need. Cincinnati may be able to trade down and still acquire him.

Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State

Willie Gay Jr. is an absolute freak athlete and has an extremely high ceiling. There are off-field concerns but the talent may just be too good to pass up for the Bengals, who may see star potential in him.

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

If the Bengals are truly going best play available, McKinney could be the guy. The defense wields three starting-caliber safeties already but when it comes to the draft, sometimes you pick the most talented prospect and figure out the fit later.

Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Cincinnati could reunite Burrow with one of his college teammates in Fulton. He’s got great size and he’s a good athlete. His production is incredible, as he defended 14 passes in 2019.

Zach Baun, EDGE/LB, Wisconsin

Zach Baun offers plenty of versatility and may be on the team’s radar. He had a diluted sample at the combine, so there’s no telling how that has impacted his draft stock. He got to the quarterback often last season, earning 12.5 sacks. He offers some potential in coverage too.