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Bengals Select Hakeem Adeniji: Instant Grade and Analysis

By Blake Jewell

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 25: Offensive Lineman Hakeem Adeniji #78 from Kansas of the North Team during the 2020 Resse's Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The North Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 25: Offensive Lineman Hakeem Adeniji #78 from Kansas of the North Team during the 2020 Resse's Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The North Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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The Cincinnati Bengals have a new big man up-front, as the front office opted to select Hakeem Adeniji in the 6th round. 

The Cincinnati Bengals do what many fans have been hoping they would, adding a new player to the offensive line unit. The biggest thing that sticks out with Hakeem Adeniji is his experience. He’s a four-year contributor, starting 48 games consecutively.

There is the potential that he’ll have to kick inside to guard rather than playing on the edge at tackle. Either way, the Bengals probably saw the potential to play either spot and made him the pick.

Hunter Bittinger Grade: B-

There’s definitely potential here, as Adeniji has shown good ability to run block. You’ve also got to appreciate that he’s a former team captain. However, experts see him as a big project that has a long way to go before he’s of starting caliber.

At the time of this selection, there were still players like Netane Muti and Prince Tega Wanogho on the board, which may have been able to contribute quicker than Ajeniji. Ever since Zac Taylor and Jim Turner took over though, they’ve shown a specific taste for what they want in linemen. Combine that with the fact that they saw him up-close at the Senior Bowl, and this pick isn’t too surprising.

Adeniji may one day develop into a solid player for the Bengals, just don’t expect him to displace anybody already on the roster in the first few years.

Aaron Burd Grade: A-

The Bengals finally draft an offensive lineman and many fans breathe a sigh of relief. Hakeem Adeniji out of Kansas started 48 consecutive games in college, showing he can be a reliable depth piece at the very least. Although he played tackle in college, he projects best as a guard in the NFL.

Prior to the draft, many had Adeniji as projected to go in the top-100 picks. The Bengals got great value here in the sixth round.

He’s not gonna start right away barring any injuries on the offensive line, but the Kansas lineman could be a valuable depth piece who eventually develops into a starter with the right coaching.

Related Story. Bengals Select Khalid Kareem: Instant Grade and Analysis. light

Blake Jewell Grade: B+

The Bengals get a 6’4”, 302-pound offensive tackle in the sixth round. Hakeem Adeniji was a four-year starter at Kansas. He has good mobility and strength, as well as consistent success in the run game. This is a nice depth addition to the Bengals roster and sets them up to take whoever they want in round seven. I would have liked to have seen offensive line addressed sooner, but we knew the line wouldn’t be fixed in just one offseason. A good depth pick for the Bengals in round six.