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7 low-key options for the Bengals in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft

By Cole Sullivan

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: David Ojabo #55 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after recording a sack against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: David Ojabo #55 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after recording a sack against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Travis Jones – Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut

Travis Jones is an exciting prospect coming from a school that isn’t really known for its football program but dating even back to high school; Jones is fascinating to study. In high school, Travis Jones played both sides of the ball and helped his team gain 2,992 total yards, including 1,548 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns and also made 61 tackles and seven sacks during his senior season.

He was named a 2017 CHSCA All-State First Team in the state of Connecticut. Jones ultimately ended up at UConn, where he was recruited to play offense, yet once the coaching staff saw him play, they shifted his focus to strictly defense. He is 6’4″ and 325 pounds and ran a 4.92 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

Last season he racked up 32 tackles, 25 stops, 7.5 TFL, four sacks, 7 QB hits, and 14 QB hurries and was recognized with an invitation to play at the Senior Bowl, where he was also impressed. Jones is now a first-round or early second-round talent that is catching the eye of many scouts across the NFL. If Devonte Wyatt is off the board,

Jones could very well be someone Cincinnati targets, and the defensive line is the position they decide to go after.

4. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Roger McCreary could be one of the multiple cornerback options for the Cincinnati Bengals at pick 31 if they choose to go that route, which is a serious possibility. McCreary thrives in coverage and in man/press, which should make people wary if this is a guy you want the Bengals to select.

Not cause of his ability to play the position, but if he will fit the Cincinnati defense. Cincinnati often runs a defensive scheme that revolves around zone coverage, which isn’t McCreary’s best ability. In 12 games in the regular season for Auburn during the 2020 season, McCreary totaled 49 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and 14 pass deflections.

Last season in his senior year, he got even better playing13 games as a starter. He played 830 snaps, logging 49 tackles, two interceptions, 13 passes defended, and only allowed a 57.8 QB rating when targeted. As a result, McCreary caught the eye of many NFL scouts and got named to the first-team All-American by the Athletic and ESPN.

McCreary is slated as one of the better cornerbacks in the draft and with this draft being loaded with cornerbacks it wouldn’t be shocking to see a guy like McCreary fall into Day 2 and be one of the better players available.