With The First Pick
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Bengals: 3 Carl Lawson replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

By Garrett Ballard

Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) reacts while running onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) reacts while running onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bengals target Joseph Ossai. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Day-two option: Joseph Ossai, Texas

Joseph Ossai is a high effort edge rusher with plenty of upsides to warrant a high second round pick. He is originally from Nigeria but moved to the United States in 2009. He picked up a football in middle school and has been playing ever since.

Ossai has natural athleticism that allows him to beat offensive tackles without much hand usage or pass rush knowledge. He is long, fast, and strong, so he never had to really think about how he can outsmart a blocker. Currently, Ossai runs around and “out efforts” the opponent. When you’re looking for a developmental edge rusher, you should look for athleticism and effort, and Ossai has those two things in loads.

If the Bengals were to draft Ossai, it would most likely be with their second round pick, His year one projection will be him adjusting to the speed of the NFL while developing his pass rush plan and technique. This is not a bad thing. While it’s always nice to have immediate production, the developmental guys can sometimes make the biggest impacts down the road. In an edge class with no real top talent, most of the players require some amount of development anyways. Get Ossai with NFL coaches, let him grow into the player he can become, and enjoy watching him play on Sundays.

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