Bengals Day 3 draft picks will battle for playing time in 2021

The Bengals had seven day three selections in the 2021 NFL Draft. It means Cincinnati added plenty of depth to the back end of their roster. We examine who the new players will likely battle for playing time. The Bengals first three draft picks are expected to win starting jobs during pre-season.

Ja’Marr Chase should be a true outside receiving threat, a direct replacement for the departed A.J. Green. It appears that Clemson left tackle Jackson Carman will transition to the inside of the offensive line.

Although Carman doesn’t have experience at the position, his make-up and comments from the coaching staff suggest that they hope he will make the right guard spot his own. Joseph Ossai, the edge rusher out of Texas, will likely play Carl Lawson’s role when drafted by the Bengals.

Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard should be the starters at that position with Ossai rotating in on passing downs. Hubbard will likely kick inside giving Ossai the chance to pin his ears back and get to the opposing QB.

Once you reach the day three picks, starting snaps become less likely. All the guys selected by the Bengals in rounds 4-7 will have to compete for playing time. We will look at some of the most interesting roster battles the draft selections have thrown up.