In 2014, the Bengals had a poor draft class. However, things have changed recently. The Bengals’ first two picks were solid but the class that followed was not up to par. Here are five picks that were disastrous for the Bengals. Hill was a solid backup for two years before he was traded. Then, we have Will Clarke, who was your typical 6’6″ defensive end that busted hard in the NFL. The Bengals traded for Russell Bodine who was not a good player and did not play in any of the games but was the worst lineman on their team.
Bodine is a good fit if the Bengals are looking for a big center in the draft. Bodine is a tall center at 6-3 and 311 lbs. At the combine, Bodine racked up 42 repetitions on the bench press – six more than the next best offensive lineman. Bodine has the physical attributes to be a future Pro Bowler but lacks the speed or agility to move up to the next level. However, he has a good chance of enhancing that movement.
Taylor-Britt, a former Nebraska captain will take over the middle. Taylor-Britt is known for his community work in Lincoln. He has participated in the Husker Heroes Day, the Lincoln Football Road Race, and hospital visits. The Bengals also added two young cornerbacks to their defense. Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator of the Bengals, stated that they could have played seventy per cent of their snaps with an additional cornerback.
The Cincinnati Bengals have a good history of drafting quality players in the NFL, and the team has done so again this year. Their top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft is Darqueze Dennard. Dennard has slowly developed into one of the best slot corners in the league. A good player can help a team make the playoffs. In the end, though, it’s all about the draft.
Before the regular season begins, the Bengals’ three first-round picks should sign new contracts. The first games of the season start Sept. 11. Although the Cardinals have yet to make a formal offer to Murray, it appears that they will soon. The Cardinals’ Erik Burkhardt, the Cardinals’ general manager, has not made Murray a formal offer and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.