Bengals' scouting trip hints Michigan CB pipeline could continue in 2027 NFL Draft

When the Cincinnati Bengals sent their scouts to 'the Big House' to watch Michigan versus Indiana, they were tipping their paw, err, hand, at what awaits in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati’s scouts were interested in several players, both on and off the field. However, in recent drafts, the Bengals have tended to favor a certain type, such as Texas A&M defensive linemen.

They also have a type when it comes to secondary players out of Michigan. It just so happens that two of the better cornerbacks eligible for the draft next year were playing against the Hoosiers. 

Fortunately for everyone involved, those cornerbacks did not disappoint in front of the Bengals’ scouts.

Michigan players a plenty in 2027 NFL Draft

The Bengals were just one of many NFL franchises that sent scouts to watch Michigan-Indiana.

Before we get to the main course for Cincinnati, other Michigan players are undoubtedly looking forward to hearing their names called during the next college player acquisition exercise in April.

Blake Frazier (LT) and Andrew Sprague (RG) did not play against Indiana, but the Bengals' scouts will have done their due diligence on the highly touted offensive linemen. 

Also missing was edge rusher Dom Nicholas. But his running mate, John Henry Daley, was in action and making plays.

Nevertheless, Cincinnati likely focused on Michigan's secondary, where we expect to see players linked to the Bengals next offseason.

Bengals have a thing for Michigan CBs

The Cincinnati Bengals tend to love cornerbacks from the University of Michigan. They have rightfully done so, as they have had success drafting them recently. 

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Leon Hall out of Michigan with the 18th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Hall played 12 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2018. He spent his first nine seasons in Cincinnati.

Two years after drafting Hall, the Bengals selected cornerback Morgan Trent with the 179th overall pick in the sixth round in the 2009 draft.

Most recently, Cincinnati selected Michigan cornerbacks highly in back-to-back drafts. The first was Dax Hill, whom Cincinnati took in the first round with the 31st overall pick in 2022.

They followed that up by selecting DJ Turner in the second round, with the 60th overall pick in 2023.

Now, there's a reason to believe that Cincinnati is eyeing their next Michigan Wolverine cornerback that they plan on taking in the next draft.

Bengals caught checking out Jyaire Hill

One player Cincinnati was in the house, at 'The Big House,' to see was cornerback Jyaire Hill. 

Hill, no relation to Bengals' Dax Hill other than Michigan ties, fits the mold of what Cincinnati is looking for in their cornerbacks.

Through seven games this season, he has 33 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception.

Hill is 6'2" with a wide wingspan who uses that length to break up passes against NFL-worthy receivers. 

Another funny coincidence between Hill and Turner is that Hill went from the number 20 to the number 0 for the Wolverines, the same way Turner did when he dropped 20 in favor of 0 this year with the Bengals. 

Hill ranks as an early Day 3 pick for draft services NFL Draft Buzz (93rd), PFF (109th), Tankathon (117th), and Mock Draft Database (87th). 

2-for-1 scouting trip as scouts eye Zeke Berry

Cincinnati's scouts also got an up-close look at Hill's running mate, Zeke Berry. The fifth-year senior has recorded 21 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception this season.

Against Indiana, he showed great ball skills, recording an interception and a few pass breakups. 

Berry also showed toughness away from the ball, not shying away from contact with larger blockers. He finished third in tackles against Indiana with six. 

While Berry is listed at 5’11”, he appears to have extremely long arms for his height, which is something that will move him up draft boards at the NFL Combine. He is reminiscent of another former Bengals cornerback, Darqueze Dennard. 

For now, Berry is not as highly rated by draft services as his Michigan teammate. Berry ranks 134th overall on Tankathon and 96th on NFL Draft Buzz.  

Bengals’ expiring CB contracts make the position a priority

The Bengals have had success with Michigan cornerbacks such as Leon Hall, Dax Hill, and DJ Turner. 

Nonetheless, their interest in Zyaire Hill and Berry has just as much to do with the three highest corners on their depth chart, Dax Hill, DJ Turner, and DJ Ivey, all playing in the final year of their contracts. 

The Bengals and starters Hill and Turner failed to agree on an extension this offseason. Cincinnati will look to re-sign one, if not both, but it won't be easy, as the same agency represents both players and there's only so much money to go around.

They could franchise-tag one while giving the other a new contract, but we don't know how either would take it if the other didn't get a long-term deal.

With the Bengals in contract purgatory with their starters Dax Hill and DJ Turner, expect Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry to be a part of numerous predictive mock drafts for the Bengals in 2027.

Both Hill and Berry had their best game of the season against Indiana, albeit in a loss. The Bengals’ scouts were there to witness it and surely came away impressed.

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