7 low-key options for the Bengals in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft
3. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam could very well be the move here at the end of the first round with overall upside at the position. Elam is the nephew of former Ravens 2013 first-round pick safety Matt Elam. Injuries have limited him in his collegiate career, which also could lead Cincinnati to pass him up, but the skill is all there.
He used to be a former wide receiver until they saw him better suited for a cornerback at 6’2″, 193 pounds. He has very nice agility and speed and didn’t get beat often by receivers. In 2020, he had 13 pass breakups which were tied for the fourth-most in the entire country.
Elam matches up well with the Bengals’ secondary. He has a lot of top-end speed and is a very aggressive corner who likes to take risks. As there is a wrong side to that, being in a defense that is often in zone coverage, it could be the perfect situation for him to thrive, knowing there will usually be someone on the back end.
He is also a serious threat once he gets the ball in his hands due to his quickness and shiftiness, which makes him a threat in another aspect as well.
2. Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Devonte Wyatt is an intriguing prospect who may not fall to 31 but if he does, expect the Bengals to pounce on the opportunity of adding one of the better defensive linemen in the draft. This would fill the void of Larry Ogunjobi leaving.
Wyatt has the ability to rush the passer at a high level but also be a very solid addition in the run game coming from the best defense in college football last season.
Wyatt is 6’3″, 307 pounds, and ran a 4.77 40-yard dash, which is impressive for his size. Starting in all 12 games last season, he had 34 total tackles, leading interior lineman on the number one ranked Georgia defense, fourth on the team with 22 QB pressures, and added four sacks.
He started receiving some recognition and was handed a spot on the Coaches’ All-SEC 1st Team, the AP All-SEC 2nd Team, and earned a trip to the Senior Bowl. Wyatt is very stout in his speed and his ability to be a strong run defender attacking gaps and holes. Wyatt would be a player who could immediately impact the Cincinnati Bengals.
1. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
Darian Kinnard is a very undervalued and underrated offensive tackle in this draft. He is highly talented in both run and pass blocking. According to NFL Draft Buzz, Kinnard has an 87.3 overall grade which is one of the highest-graded offensive linemen in the entire draft.
Kinnard only gave up two sacks all of last season playing in the SEC with some of the best pass rushers in America, which should definitely intrigue the Bengals if he is available because they could use depth at the position.
Despite Kinnard’s size, which is 6’6″, 324 lbs, he is swift out of his stance and has very long arms that make him thrive as a pass blocker. He could make an easy transition to guard as well if that’s how an NFL chose to use him.
He is an intelligent player with the size and quickness to make him a diverse offensive lineman who can play multiple spots. Darian could go as high as 20-25, or you could see him slip into the 2nd round.
Kinnard could be a reach for the Bengals, but being able to sit back and watch how the 1st round in front of them unfolds could be a determination on how Cincinnati uses this selection. Could potentially trade back and get two picks in the second round and a future pick or they could sit at 31 and just use their selections where they are currently placed.
Next. Ranking Top 5 Options at No. 31 Pick. dark
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