2021 NFL Draft offers plenty of depth at Bengals’ biggest positions of need

The 2021 NFL draft is full of prospects at the Cincinnati Bengals’ biggest positions of need, offensive tackle and EDGE.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the two main roster goals of the offseason are clear: find Joe Burrow better protection and replenish the floundering pass rush. Zac Taylor’s squad is full of holes, but those two areas rank as the most alarming. Provide reinforcements, however, and the franchise that calls Paul Brown Stadium home stands a chance of taking a significant leap in the division.

Thankfully for the Cincinnati front office and the orange and black faithful, the 2021 NFL draft is shaping up to be outstanding at the offensive tackle and EDGE positions. Securing the trenches on both sides of the ball will start with free agency, but the Bengals will undoubtedly have the opportunity to nab difference makers in the areas they need it the most throughout the draft.

Penei Sewell may not be there when the Bengals are on the clock

As things stand, the first round plan for the Bengals seems cut and dry. The club is looking likely to hold onto the number three overall selection, where they can stay put and draft offensive tackle Penei Sewell, an elite prospect.

However, Sewell dropping to Cincinnati is no longer as sure of a thing as it used to be. With Justin Fields’ poor performance in the Big Ten Championship, the Jacksonville Jaguars (expected to be the owner of pick number two) may have a big decision to make.

Is another quarterback such as Zach Wilson worthy of the selection? Are they willing to trade back now, allowing another franchise to leap the Bengals and secure Sewell? Will Fields calm their doubts in the college football playoff and pre-draft process?

The draft is still a long way away, but the Bengals will have to prepare for the reality that Sewell doesn’t find himself in stripes. While that would be a less than ideal scenario, there are still plenty of routes the organization can take to significantly improve their roster.

Bengals options in the first round and beyond

Drafting Sewell should be considered the premier option at this point. If the stellar Oregon bookend is gone, however, the Bengals will still be able to provide better protection for Burrow, either immediately in the first round or later on.

There doesn’t look to be any other offensive line prospects worthy of a third overall selection currently. So, if the offensive trenches are the route the Bengals want to go, a trade back would be in order. A guy like Samuel Cosmi or Rashawn Slater would be an ideal addition later in the first round.

If Cincinnati feels comfortable with their offensive line haul from free agency and believes the prospect depth would allow them to select a player at the position later on, they could opt for more of a splash draft pick.

Imagining tight end Kyle Pitts in stripes and on the receiving end of Burrow passes seems like a dream come true. So too does a corner like Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain II locking down opposing receivers on the outside.

If Cincinnati can’t find a trade partner, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase or linebacker Micah Parsons have franchise-changing abilities. While neither falls at the biggest position of need, they would be the best players on the board with Sewell gone.

No matter how the first round goes, the depth at EDGE and tackle means plenty of help will be available on day two. Offensive linemen Wyatt Davis, Trey Smith, Alex Leatherwood, and Jackson Carman all have a chance (or are currently projected) to fall outside the top 32 selections. Each of them would upgrade the offensive line unit from day one.

Pass rushers Jaelan Phillips, Jayson Oweh, Quincy Roche, and more offer help to get to the quarterback. Current projections have what appear to be serious difference-makers available as late as the fourth round.

Long story short, the Bengals are going to find a way to get better at the two biggest areas of need, no matter what happens in round one. With the season winding down, the work to map out the most optimal course of action begins.