The Cincinnati Bengals did not have a strong 2019. They posted a 2-14 record and finished last in the AFC North thanks to mediocrity on both sides of the ball. Andy Dalton had the worst year of his career without star receiver A.J. Green — who was sidelined because of a foot injury and should be back healthy for 2020. Getting a new signal caller with the top pick in the draft could help the Bengals turn things around. We break down what Cincinnati should to target in the draft as it rebuilds and works toward success in the future.
2020 Draft Picks
Round 1, pick 1 (No. 1 overall): Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Round 2, pick 1 (No. 33): Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Round 3, pick 1 (No. 65): Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Round 4, pick 1 (No. 107): Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Round 5, pick 1 (No. 147): Khalid Kareem, DE, Notre Dame
Round 6, pick 1 (No. 180): Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas
Round 7, pick 1 (No. 215): Markus Bailey, ILB, Purdue
Team needs
Offense
Dalton hasn’t won a playoff game in nine years despite making four postseason appearances in his career. Cincinnati has made it clear that it is working to find a desirable trade destination for the signal caller, who tallied career lows in touchdown passes (16) and passer rating (78.5) in 2019. The backups on the roster haven’t shown any signs of franchise player upside.
The Bengals are expected to make a huge investment at quarterback, so it’s only right that they make protecting him a priority. They gave up 48 sacks in 2019, and a number like that will make it hard for a rookie quarterback to be successful.
Defense
The Bengals were not good at rushing the quarterback last season. Their 31 sacks were tied for fourth lowest in the league. The Bengals also gave up more rushing yards (2,382) than any other defense. Defensive lineman and linebackers will be something they should seek out in later rounds,
Dream first pick
Fortunately for Cincinnati, it can choose any player it wants. Its dream pick has to be Joe Burrow. He won the national championship at LSU after breaking the NCAA’s single-season record for passing touchdowns (60). The Bengals need a fresh start, so no choice is better than the the highest rated quarterback prospect in the 2020 class. He has accuracy, mobility, improvisational skills, and the clutch gene that has eluded Dalton.