Bengals: 3 Giovanni Bernard replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals just released one of the more tenured players on the team and a staple of their run game in Giovanni Bernard. Joe Mixon is still there, but after that, the running game leaves much to be desired. They were not very efficient last year in the run game they were 25th in total rush yards and averaged just a half of a yard per carry more than the last team, and only five more touchdowns than the worst team.

Luckily for the Bengals, this 2021 NFL Draft class is not short on mid-round running backs.

There are three at the top which is out of reach and wouldn’t make sense for the Bengals with Joe Mixon at the helm. But, several solid playmakers could be their target in the draft that should replace what Bernard was bringing to the orange and black. They need someone to come in on third downs and pick up where Mixon leaves off, and in his four seasons, Joe Mixon has never played all 16 games. So durability for the backup running back would also be a sticking point.

Can Bengals replace Bernard in 2021 NFL Draft?

As long as they can find a way to get some solid offensive linemen in this draft to help with their issues there, a late-round running back could end up being well worth the pick. If you are a fantasy guy, this could be an amazing buy-low option with Mixon’s questionable health already mentioned.

This team’s offense slowly changing over with the addition of Joe Burrow, the coaching staff, and the front office slashing players from the old regime. Now is there a chance to see if they can match Joe Mixon with someone who can not only keep his touches low and legs healthy, but be able to fill in the gaps? If the Bengals can hit on a solid backup running back this could be an offense that could be dangerous at any point on the field, if they do in fact grab a wide receiver with the first pick or the elite tight end Kyle Pitts.

Let’s take a look at some of the options they could target at running back!