Top 15 draft picks in Cincinnati Bengals history

The Cincinnati Bengals have made some really great draft picks throughout their history. Let’s  take a look at the 15 best draft picks ever. 

The NFL Draft is a time for teams to add young talent that can help them improve. The Cincinnati Bengals have done well in their drafts and that’s definitely shown in recent years.

While it was hard to narrow this list down to 15, I tried to factor in a few things. The main one was obviously what the player did while in a Bengals uniform. Players on this list might be seen as surprises to include due to still being young but they’ve already shown they’re franchise-changing players.

The second one was value — Was the player a late-round pick and become a diamond in the rough? Cincinnati has found excellent value later on in the draft.

So, with all of that said, let’s get to the list!

15. Ja’Marr Chase

Drafted 5th overall in 2021

Some might think it’s too soon to include Ja’Marr Chase on this list but just look at what the guy did as a rookie in 2021. Chase, who went fifth overall much to the dismay of NFL analysts, immediately exploded onto the scene as a rookie, tallying 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns through 17 regular-season games.

Chase’s rookie campaign was so impressive that he was the no-brainer choice to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, the first Bengal to do so since Carl Pickens in 1992.

Chase might be early into his career but winning an award that a Bengal hadn’t brought home in nearly two decades earned him a spot on the list.