As the Cincinnati Bengals look to become perennial contenders in the AFC, they’ll need to continue to fill their depth chart with young talent. After making it all the way to the Super Bowl, the future is bright for the Bengals, but they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. Which team needs can Cincinnati address in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Cincinnati Bengals team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft
Despite bolstering a Super Bowl runner-up roster in free agency, the Bengals enter the 2022 NFL Draft with a few needs. Cincinnati addressed some of their offensive line issues via the open market, but there is still work to be done. The Bengals also have some issues to work out in the secondary.
Center
The Bengals signed veteran Ted Karras to a three-year, $18 million deal in free agency. While the journeyman is coming off a career year and will assume the starter responsibilities at center, Cincinnati would be wise to draft a long-term successor at the position.
The Bengals had a bad starting line last year. To make matters worse, their depth on the line was brutal, too.
Safety
With Jessie Bates set to play under the franchise tag, the Bengals should hedge their bets with improved depth. Bates and Vonn Bell will start at safety this season, but the future is pretty wide open. If the Bengals can land a strong option on Day 2 or Day 3, they’ll have insurance in case Bates bolts next year.
Guard
The Bengals added veteran Alex Cappa to the line during free agency, and he should fill in immediately at right guard. Cincinnati has Jackson Carman on the left side, but he should face some competition this offseason. Cincinnati should consider drafting a guard early during the weekend. If they go the center route, Karras can move to left guard.
Cornerback
The Bengals brought back Eli Apple this offseason, but he can easily be upgraded. Cincinnati should look into drafting a cornerback early during draft weekend to supplement the secondary. While Apple could be in line to start in training camp, a competition for the Week 1 spot should be appealing to the front office.
Tight End
The Bengals brought in Hayden Hurst on a one-year deal in free agency, and he should lead the group this season. However, Hurst and Drew Sample are both set to become free agents next offseason, so the Bengals need to continue to add to the group. A mid-round target should be able to provide long-term depth to the position.
Bengals 2022 NFL Draft picks
The Bengals own the following 2022 NFL Draft picks entering the weekend: 1-31, 2-63, 3-95, 4-136, 5-174, 6-209, 7-226, 7-252.
