With the New York Jets losing the first overall pick, the path for Penei Sewell falling to the Cincinnati Bengals becomes unclear.
The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t play on Sunday but they still found themselves suffering a loss. The New York Jets pulled off the seemingly impossible, securing a victory against the Los Angeles Rams and muddying the draft waters for the franchise that calls Paul Brown Stadium home. Their triumph, while satisfying in the present, could cost them in the long run.
Long presumed to be drafting number one overall, the Jets have now fallen to the second selection for the time being. That means quarterback Trevor Lawrence, viewed by many as a generational talent, will almost assuredly be gone by the time they are on the clock, should everything stand.
In other words, it’s no longer a sure thing that the Jets move on from their current signal-caller, Sam Darnold. It’s a no-brainer to swap out Darnold for Lawrence, but Justin Fields (expected to be QB #2) instead of Darnold isn’t an obvious decision, especially after the former’s performance in the Big Ten title game this weekend.
Prior to week 15’s chaotic events, the path to the Bengals landing Penei Sewell seemed straight forward. The Jets select Trevor Lawrence first overall because his talent is too much to overlook despite Darnold’s youth and upside. The Jacksonville Jaguars scoop up Justin Fields despite his flaws because they are completely devoid of starter-level talent under center. Cincinnati gets the top offensive line prospect to enter the draft in years and fix their biggest weakness. Simple.
Now? Not so much.
Where the Cincinnati Bengals’ draft options stand
While the Jets selecting second overall decreases the likelihood that the Bengals secure Penei Sewell, it certainly doesn’t make it impossible. In fact, there are more feasible scenarios where they still land the stellar bookend than lose out on him.
For starters, it’s no sure thing that New York even opts to draft an offensive lineman. Other premiere talents such as wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and linebacker Michah Parson appear worthy of the selection.
Chase in particular seems like a real possibility, given the fact that the franchise will be inclined to give Darnold a dangerous weapon. Plus, rookie offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has looked outstanding so far. Is his play enough to cause the Jets to focus their resources elsewhere?
The other outcome involves the Jets trading back entirely. The second selection is awfully early to draft any other position than quarterback. Some other organization out there will fall in love with Fields, Trey Lance, or Zach Wilson and be willing to hand over a treasure trove of draft capital for the rights to draft them.
If either one of those two routes is taken, the decision becomes fairly simple for the Bengals’ front office. Stay put and draft Sewell. It’s not often talent and need are married so perfectly.
However, if Sewell is gone, two options remain. Stay put and draft wideout Ja’Marr Chase, reuniting him with Burrow and giving Cincinnati a dangerous corps. of pass catchers, or trade back to acquire more picks to fill the many holes in the roster.
No matter how things play out, the Bengals will have plenty of options to significantly improve their roster. It may not be how many envisioned it, but they’re still in a position to make a big push towards competing.