The Bengals do not have to take a quarterback with a top-five in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He brought an aura of optimism to a franchise that took care of last year with Zoro, the second-worst record in the NFL with No. 1 at No. 1.
The Bengals have options to take the No. 5 pick, which could be the first four pick quarterbacks. The prospect of choice will come down to three intriguing prospects: Oregon Penei Sewell, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts or LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Sporting News breaks down the pros and cons for each pick and gives our decision:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-Round Mock | Top 100 Big Boards
Penny Seawell, OT, Oregon
Sewell allowed one sack in 1,376 snacks with the Ducks in two seasons. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle dropped out of his junior season, but is considered the best offensive lineman in the 2020 class. He played left tackle as a lieutenant but was recruited as a guard.
So, why this discussion too? The Bengals drafted Jonah Williams in the first round in 2019 and called it Doesn’t look like he’s going in. Cincinnati also signed Riley Rife at Wright Tackle. The depth of the offensive line is good – and, yes, it is a priority, having taken 32 sacks in 10 games last season.
So, will the Bengals ride with those tackles and go for a player with a different impact?
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Chase also opted for the 2020 football season after a record-setting season with LSU in 2020. He finished with 85 receptions for 1,785 yards – 21 unbelievable yards per reception – and 20 TDs as Burroughs’ favorite target on a national championship team.
The 6-foot, 208-pound receiver has been out for a season, but he is the prototype WR1 in an NFL game and a natural replacement for AJ Green – all-time in franchise history receiving yards and TDs Is in place. Green left this offseason for Arizona. The Bengals still have a 1-2 comb, featuring Tyler Boyd and T Higgins – but those two receivers combined for 10 TDS last season. A true first receiver needs to be a double-digit TD player, and Chase will have that ability – not to mention a previous connection with Burrow.
That said, Chase did not play last season – and Alabama receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Wadle took advantage of that absence. He could be in that discussion as the first receiver taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Pitts, who caught 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 TDs as a junior at Florida last season, could change the entire complex of the offense. He is already comparing himself to Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson.
The measurements are eye-popping. Pitts, who is 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, has an 83-inch wing, which runs 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and has a 33.5-inch vertical. Drew Sample had 40 catches for 349 yards and a TD last season, but he is more of a possession receiver. Pits are useful both on the field and in the red zone, and many teams with top-10 picks are looking to make that move.
Will it be the first bold play of the first round? The Bengals have tried the move with Jeramine Gresham (2010) and Tyler Eifert (2013).
Decision
A quick glance at four notable mock drafts reveals that all three picks are a possibility. Mel Keeper and Vinny Iyer have Bengals carrying Sewell, Todd McShay having Chase and Daniel Jeremiah Pitts.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame dealt with Anthony Munoz, who spent 13 seasons with the Bengals, Sewell supports the pickup. Seawell could break through while playing the role of Reef in a one-year proved deal, and is then the franchise that saves Burrow for the next decade. He is the safest pick, and Cincinnati can add a receiver like Terrace Marshall Jr. in the second round.
Seawell does not have to be a monose. The Oregon Tackle is just a reliable tackle.
Pitts will be a splash pick, but there are other teams – including Atlanta at No. 4 – could be in the mix for the tight end. There is no doubt that Pitts will be a game-breaking presence in that offense, but there is an inherent risk in taking a tight end with a top-five pick.
Chase makes more sense than Pitts. He has an affair with Barrow, and will be a leveraged play for the franchise quarterback. This will also improve the down-field passing attack. Winnie Iyer of SN has seven tackles to be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. There is depth at that position, and Cincinnati could get an early offensive lineman in the second round.
Our best guess? Cincinnati should take Sewell, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they take Chase.
Leave a Reply