Cincinnati Bengals: 3 potential steals in the 2021 NFL Draft

Cincinnati Bengals’ Draft Day Steals – Chris Evans

While Joseph Ossai was a nice pick for the Bengals, he had a third-round grade heading into the draft so he wasn’t necessarily a “steal”. Instead, I went with sixth-round running back, Chris Evans, who the Bengals took out of Michigan.

There’s no debate about who the starting running back will be for Cincinnati. With Mixon’s injury last year, however, and the release of Gio Bernard, things are a little more open at the running back position.

Evans totaled 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground while adding 479 yards and two touchdowns through the air during his four-year career with the Wolverines. He’ll likely sit behind Mixon and backup Samaje Perine this season but there’s definitely an opportunity for him to move up if he impresses over the summer and early on in the season.

Running backs aren’t as valued as much as they used to be, at least not when it comes to the draft, so selecting a running back like Evans in the sixth round might not seem like much now, but if an injury should occur to either Mixon or Perine (knock on wood), then his value will be much higher. The Bengals knew they needed a No. 3 running back and Evans looks to be the guy.

D’Ante Smith, Cameron Sample, and Chris Evans are my picks to be the Bengals’ draft day steals. Who are your picks?