Over the past few years I have gotten into the habit of following podcasts for each team in the AFC North Division. In Cleveland we have two very good podcasts: The Orange and Brown Talk Podcast featuring the amazing Mary Kay Cabot and I also enjoy Scott Petrak's Browns Zone Coverage Pod. All of our rivals have very good podcasts, the best being Dan Hoard's Bengals Booth Pod. The Ravens and Steelers have tons of options too.
During Draft Week there are daily Pods and I have listened to them all. So I wanted to share a few observations today about the Cincinnati Bengals draft.
The AFC North Division is the toughest division in the NFL, so let's start with an obvious assumption: All of the teams in the AFC North evaluate talent well. Given that a 50% hit rate is considered great, volume of picks is probably the biggest factor to the success of a teams draft and that's my theme today for the Bengals
1. CINCINNATI BENGALS made 10 picks!
I thought the Bengals had the most impressive and potentially impactful draft on any team in the AFC North. They filled critical needs at several positions and it always felt like they picked the best player on the board too. Mike Brown and team managed the draft like expert conductors. Listening to the interviews of these young athletes I came away impressed with how mature and articulate each of them were. 10 picks are a lot and each of these men are impressive on and off the field. Will all 10 prove to be capable of being in the top 2% of athletes who thrive in the NFL, doubtful however I would not be shocked if more than half do indeed build successful NFL careers.
The Bengals picks:
Amarius Mims: Offensive Tackle - Huge, athletic
Kris Jenkins: DT - NFL pedigree
Jermaine Burton: WR - Joe Burrow has to like this pick, Bengals spoke about his ability to separate
McKinnley Jackson: DT - More interior line
Erick All: TE - Unbelievable athlete whose stock dropped because of injuries
Josh Newton: DB - Tough and the Bengals talked a lot about his ability to track the ball
Tanner McLachlan: TE - Big pass catcher who needs to improve his blocking
Cedric Johnson: DE Ole Miss
Daijahn Anthony: DB Another Ole Miss, started his college career as a walk on, Bengals talked a lot about his motivation and desire
Matt Lee: C Bengals believe he has a chance to make the 53 man this year. Also a nice addition for Kick Return team
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