In the 2022 NFL Draft, Tycen Anderson joined the Cincinnati Bengals roster as a fifth-round pick out of Toledo. What should fans expect from the Rocket during his rookie year?
It was a bit surprising initially to see the Cincinnati Bengals focus on the secondary so much in the 2022 NFL Draft, as they spent three of their six picks on cornerbacks and safeties. Tycen Anderson out of Toledo was one of those picks.
The Bengals drafted Anderson in the fifth round despite having spent their first-round pick on Daxton Hill and their second-round pick on Cam Taylor-Britt. Anderson was the third secondary member to join the team through the draft.
Bengals Roster: What should fans expect from Tycen Anderson in 2022?
Leading up to the draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted that Anderson could eventually work his way into a starting role. It’s not hard to see why that could be the case, as the Toledo product is fast as hell (he clocked a 4.36 40-time at the Combine) and, as was the case with all of the other picks for the Bengals, is versatile.
For his rookie season, Anderson probably won’t be thrust into starting duties unless injuries pile up. His role is likely going to be as a backup to Vonn Bell, who is entering the final year of his contract, which is also the case with Jessie Bates. These two gentlemen hitting the open market next year is likely a big reason why the team spent so many draft picks on players in the secondary.
The realistic expectation with Tycen Anderson is that he won’t be a starter this year but will be a valuable depth piece. He should get a fair amount of playing time as a rookie and if the Bengals can eventually get him into a starting role and he plays well there, that’d be excellent value for a former fifth-round pick.