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The Cincinnati Bengals far exceeded anyone's expectations in 2021, advancing through the AFC to the Super Bowl, where they were eventually bested by the Los Angeles Rams. It was an outstanding season, though the final result left a sour taste in the mouths of both fans and executives of the team. Two key areas doomed the Bengals: their pass defense and their offensive line. The Bengals ranked 26th in passing yards allowed per game while surrendering 51 sacks on the offensive end. It only made sense, then, that the Bengals would attempt to address these areas in the offseason. Cincinnati brought in three offensive linemen via free agency, re-signing cornerback Eli Apple as well.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected a pair of defensive backs with their first two selections, then spent their next two picks on offensive and defensive linemen. Clearly, the Bengals understood where they needed to improve and attacked those areas. The strategy was to be versatile, as the Bengals looked to fill out the depth chart in these weaker areas with players capable of playing multiple positions. How well did they address their needs in the draft though? That's what we'll aim to assess here. That said, here are grades for every Bengals pick in the NFL Draft.
Cincinnati Bengals 2022 NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 31- S Daxton Hill (Michigan)
Grade: A
The Bengals nailed this pick, selecting Michigan's Daxton Hill, who showed so much versatility that he was able to play both safety and nickel corner. Hill, who totaled four interceptions and 15 passes defensed in three seasons, figures to play all over the field for Cincinnati. Wherever he plays, Hill's smooth coverage skills should make an immediate impact on the Bengals' 26th-ranked pass defense from 2021. This was an excellent start for Cincinnati, who desperately needed to address the secondary after spending most of their cap space on the offensive line.
Round 2, Pick 60- CB Cam Taylor-Britt (Nebraska)
Grade: B+
While some may consider this a bit of a reach, it's a position of need and Cam Taylor-Britt's playmaking skills- 11 passes defensed in 2021 and four forced fumbles in four seasons- were worth jumping on. Not only that, but Taylor-Britt shined when the lights were at their brightest, playing some of the best games of his career against bowl teams, such as Michigan, Minnesota, and Michigan State. His excellent range could help him find a home at safety or cornerback on the Bengals, while his ability to rise to the level of his competition is very promising for his NFL career.
Round 3, Pick 95- DL Zachary Carter (Florida)
Grade: C+
Versatility was the gameplan for the Bengals, as they selected two-year starter Zachary Carter, who spent time at both defensive end and tackle for the Gators. Carter made plays against tough competition, totaling 12.5 sacks in his two seasons, though his path to snaps on a depth-filled line isn't exactly clear at the moment, with Sam Hubbard, D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill entrenched on the line.
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Round 4, Pick 136- OL Cordell Volson (North Dakota State)
Grade: C
More versatility! Volson played both tackle spots at North Dakota State, earning first-team All-American honors at left tackle in 2021. The 6-6, 315-pound Volson seems to have a future as a solid pass protector, though he is definitely in for a serious leg up in terms of competition. At the very least, Volson's ‘dirty, stinky, nasty' catchphrase could stick in Cincinnati, where the offensive line needs to play with more of an attitude.
Round 5, Pick 166- S Tycen Anderson (Toledo)
Grade: B-
The 6-2, 210-pound Tycen Anderson is one worth watching, as his length and size bring some much-needed power to a smaller safety room in Cincinnati. A three-year starter, Anderson stood out in run support, making a long-term fit as a strong safety more likely. Given the Bengals' large trade for the pick to select Anderson, they must have designs on giving him the opportunity for a healthy amount of snaps sooner rather than later. Don't be surprised if he sees the field in three-safety packages in 2022.
Round 7, Pick 252- DL Jeffrey Gunter (Coastal Carolina)
Grade: C+
The competition wasn't the greatest, though Coastal Carolina's Jeffrey Gunter stood out, as he tallied 38.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in two seasons, earning back-to-back all-Sun Belt honors. Gunter will definitely serve as a decent depth option for the Bengals, though his first step and variety of moves are definitely promising.
