Bengals: 3 free agents that could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

Coming off yet another disappointing season, the Cincinnati Bengals face a crucial off-season ahead. Entering Zac Taylor’s third season as head coach, the Bengals need to show true improvement in order for Taylor to keep his job. His first two years have not been pretty, although there have been a few bright spots.

Despite having a record of 6-25-1 over the last two years, the franchise found their franchise quarterback in last years draft in Joe Burrow. Burrow, who suffered a torn ACL against the Washington Football Team in late November, had a lot of positive moments that showed why exactly he was the top draft pick in 2020. Rookie counterpart Tee Higgins had a very nice debut season as well, racking up 67 catches for 908 yards and six touchdowns. William Jackson showed that he deserves a nice paycheck this off-season, defending 15 passes along with an interception.

The Bengals closed out the season winning two of their last three, including a Thursday night upset win against division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. With the momentum to end the season, armed with a good amount of cap space, and a franchise quarterback already locked in for the next few years, the Bengals are in good shape. If the Bengals decide to use some of that cap space, there are a few players that could change their approach to the draft should they choose to sign in Cincinnati. First, we need to figure out what positions the Bengals need to address.

Current team needs for Bengals

Watching Joe Burrow getting hit again and again and again… was painful to watch. The offensive line should be priority #1. Burrow, who should be back for the season opener in 2021, can be a special quarterback when given time. You can make a case that every single position across the offensive line could be upgraded, although Jonah Williams looked solid enough in his 10 games to be considered a starting favorite next season.

If Williams can stay healthy (he’s missed 32 games in two NFL seasons), then that would be a big boost to this offensive line. Trey Hopkins wasn’t terrible in his time at center, and could end up winning the job again. Bobby Hart and Michael Jordan could provide some solid depth for the Bengals, but obviously need upgraded.

Getting Joe Burrow more weapons also has to be a priority for the Cincinnati Bengals. Long time Bengals wide receiver AJ Green looks to be leaving to play for a new team for the first time in his NFL career. Green has had his injury troubles the last few seasons, and seems to be past his prime at this point in his career.

Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are a great one-two combination, but other than those two, the Bengals are lacking in the wide receiver room. Former first round pick John Ross is scheduled to be a free agent, and won’t return to the team after having an uncomfortable relationship since he was drafted in 2017. Mike Thomas and Alex Erickson are also free agents, however neither of them provide enough to consider them into draft plans. Auden Tate will be back with the team to compete for a roster spot.

Flipping over to the defensive side, the Bengals look to be in a market for an edge rusher. Leading sack artist Carl Lawson is set to be a free agent, and seems destined to land elsewhere. Former 2018 third round pick Sam Hubbard has shown flashes, but only had two sacks in 13 games this season. Cincinnati is hoping that Hubbard could bounce back to his old form, where he had 14.5 sacks in his first two years.

Being in a division with Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson, the Bengals could also upgrade opposite of William Jackson at cornerback. The Bengals like what they’ve seen from youngster Darius Phillips, while they also get big free agent signing Trae Waynes back after he wasn’t able to play this year due to a torn pectoral muscle.

Now, let’s take a look at the three free agents that could alter the 2021 NFL Draft plans for the Cincinnati Bengals.