The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2024 offseason with a sense of urgency. Joe Burrow suffered a Week 11 hand wrist ligament injury that ended his season, and with it Cincinnati's hopes of competing in the playoffs. The Bengals have made several moves to reload the roster and make an attempt at another AFC North crown.
Cincinnati made a slew of moves in free agency to add and retain talent on offense and add some depth on defense. The Bengals applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Tee Higgins and re-signed Trenton Irwin, Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample to new contracts. They also brought in Zack Moss to replace Joe Mixon and gave a one-year contract to Mike Gesicki.
Cincinnati entered the 2024 NFL Draft with needs at both offensive and defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, and tight end. Here are our grades for every pick made by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bengals 2024 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick
Amarius Mims – T – First round (18th overall)
Mims is an absolute monster. He measures in at 6'8″ 340lbs with 36″ arms. Mims already has pretty solid technique but has plenty of room to grow. He is the perfect developmental tackle prospect who could become a long-term starter at either tackle position. Mims may not start in year one, but this pick is an excellent investment in protecting Joe Burrow from even more injuries. Great pick.
Grade: B+
Kris Jenkins – DT – Second round (49th overall)
Jenkins was a team captain at the University of Michigan in his final collegiate season. His father, Kris, played DT at Maryland was a two-time All-Pro in the NFL. His frame is a little small for the position but he makes up for it with an incredible motor. Jenkins has flashed surprising pass rush juice and has a high ceiling in that area once he can develop a few more moves. He helps make up for the loss of D.J. Reader in free agency.
Grade: B+
Jermaine Burton – WR – Third round (80th overall)
Burton is an exciting third option in the Bengals' passing game. He should get on the field right away and projects as the long-term WR2 or WR3 for Cincinnati moving forward. Burton boasts strong hands and incredible ability to track and run down deep passes. Joe Burrow must have been thrilled with this pick.
Grade: B
McKinnley Jackson – DT – Third round (97th overall)
Jackson played in college as a nose tackle, which is odd considering his pass rushing is a bigger plus than his run defense. The Bengals may have plans on deploying him in a different role that they are excited about. This would explain why he went several rounds ahead of most projections. His grade gets dinged for being a reach.
Grade: C-
Erick All – TE – Fourth round (115th overall)
The biggest question for Erick All is an ACL tear he suffered in October. If he can get healthy again, he will provide excellent tight end depth behind Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample. He may find his way onto the roster as an H-back instead of a traditional Y tight end.
Grade: B-
Josh Newton – CB – Fifth round (149th overall)
Newton boasts inside/outside versatility and it will be interesting to see how he figures into the picture of Cincinnati's secondary. Newton may never be a starter for the Bengals, but he should be a reliable depth piece and special teamer.
Grade: B
Tanner McLachlan – TE – Sixth round (194th overall)
McLachlan's superpowers are energy and competitive spirit. His measurables aren't ideal, but his mentality has made up the difference so far throughout his football career. Solid flyer in the sixth round.
Grade: C
Cedric Johnson – DE – Sixth round (214th overall)
Johnson is built like an NFL defensive end. However, concerns about his lack of burst and pass rush moves/creativity make it hard to project him as anything more than a career backup. This selection could look better if Trey Hendrickson is indeed traded or retires before the beginning of the 2024 season.
Grade: C-
Daijahn Anthony – S – Seventh round (224th overall)
Anthony played a ton of cornerback in college but profiles as a free safety in the NFL. He projects as a backup in the NFL who could contribute on special teams.
Grade: C
Matt Lee – C – Seventh round (237th overall)
Lee does not have the physical physique that one expects from an NFL center. The Bengals likely fell in love with his strong pass protection technique. He will compete for a roster spot as interior offensive line depth.
Grade: C+
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