Top Big Ten draft prospects for Bengals fans to keep an eye on

By Aaron Burd | Oct 23, 2020

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Offensive lineman Wyatt Davis #52 of the Ohio State Buckeyes walks off the field after his teams 29-23 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

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Shaun Wade (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Bengals draft watch: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

The first player on this list is a defensive back, which may come as a surprise to many. However, the cornerback position is a potentially-underrated position of need for the Bengals this offseason. With stud corner William Jackson III entering free agency, there could be a big hole in the secondary for the front office to fill this offseason if he leaves.

That’s where Ohio State prospect Shaun Wade comes in. The Buckeye cornerback may just be the best draft prospect in the Big Ten and he would be the perfect player to take over for Jackson as the Bengals’ top corner if they are in the market for a replacement.

This season will be a crucial one for Wade, as he played second fiddle to Jeffrey Okudah in 2019, who went on to be selected in the top ten of the 2020 NFL Draft. If Wade can prove to be a lockdown defensive back as the number one corner for Ohio State, he will likely be a top ten pick.

Wade is a very talented corner, but due to the Bengals’ dire needs in the trenches, he would have to overachieve to become their top pick, even if Jackson does leave in free agency. However, due to the uncertainty around their veteran corner, Wade will still be a player to keep an eye on.