CINCINNATI -- The 2024 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday.
Here is a look at each of Cincinnati's selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 18 overall Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
My take: Cincinnati has another long-term option at right tackle. After adding veteran Trent Brown on a one-year deal this offseason, Amarius Mims is someone who can hold down that spot for several years and end the yearly churn at that spot. Bobby Hart's three-year reign at right tackle from 2018 to 2020 was the last time someone held down that position for multiple years. If Mims can gain experience and develop at a good trajectory, it will fill a persistent roster hole for the Bengals.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time: It's not out of the realm of possibility that Mims will be pressed into action at some point this season. While the Bengals did add Brown, he has battled injury concerns over the past few years. Brown has played in every one of his team's games once in the last five seasons. He started in eight of his 11 appearances with the New England Patriots last season. The 2025 season is when Mims will be projected to be a starter, but history suggests his time could come sooner.
What we're hearing about Mims: Mims' measurables are impossible to overlook. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, his 86.7-inch wingspan is the 10th longest of all tackles measured at the combine dating back to 2003. After the Bengals made the pick, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said Mims not only has great length but is able to use that size to his advantage as well. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Mims was an inexperienced prospect, not a raw one. He also added that Mims is a "rare-sized athlete" who the Bengals were fortunate to snag in the first round.
Check out some of the top highlights from Michigan DT Kris Jenkins.
Round 2: No. 49 overall Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
My take: Cincinnati addresses a future need by taking Jenkins, who becomes the latest Michigan defender to be drafted by the Bengals. After adding defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in free agency, Cincinnati continued to target the interior defensive line this offseason. Jenkins had 8.5 total sacks in three seasons with the Wolverines, with 4.5 of them coming during Michigan's championship-winning run in 2023. By taking a defensive tackle, Cincinnati addressed a need with each of its first two draft picks. He joins safety Dax Hill (first round, 2022) and cornerback DJ Turner (second round, 2023) who are recent ex-Wolverines who Cincinnati drafted early.
What we're hearing about Jenkins: During Jenkins' Top 30 visit with the Bengals, coach Zac Taylor said there was little to talk about since there weren't many questions he had for him. He was a standout player and captain for a championship Michigan squad. The Bengals believe he can be a three-down lineman who has position versatility across the defensive line, from being in the middle of the line of scrimmage to stretching out wide at times. He is also a good run defender, which is something Cincinnati needs after last season. Said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo: "I just like everything about his game."
Round 3: No. 80 overall Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
My take: Cincinnati takes a receiver and addresses another big position that was a question coming into the draft. Burton was a high-production receiver at Alabama, where he led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns last season. His senior season featured his best numbers -- 798 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Given the uncertainty surrounding Tee Higgins' future and the competition for the starting slot receiver position, Burton is definitely worth a third-round pick. He also gives Cincinnati another potential explosive option for an offense that needs to create more big plays.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time?: Because of the aforementioned questions around the receiving corps, Burton could work his way into the receiver rotation as a rookie. The Bengals predominately run offensive sets with three wide receivers. And Burton has shown a knack for creating big plays. He averaged 20.5 yards per catch in his final year in college, which is notable given that he also had 39 receptions. If he can gain trust and a rapport from quarterback Joe Burrow, he will find his way onto the field.
Round 3: No. 97 overall McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
My take: Jackson is a stout defensive tackle who is primarily a run-stopping defender. The Bengals were gashed by the run last season and lacked depth at defensive tackle. Cincinnati used two of its three Day 2 picks on interior linemen who were also quality run-stoppers. In his post-draft teleconference with Cincinnati media, Jackson said he was sometimes considered "too damn aggressive" and would rather do too much than too little. Cincinnati will certainly take a reasonable amount of that this season.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole? This is definitely a depth pick. By adding Jenkins in the second round, Cincinnati gave starters B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins some young depth to help with the snap rotation. While Jenkins is considered someone who can play both the run and the pass, Jackson is more suited in run-defense situations. Jackson's presence will help fill the massive void left by DJ Reader, Cincinnati's interior anchor who signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency this offseason.
Round 4, No. 115: Erick All, TE, Iowa
My take: Cincinnati's first pick on Day 3 is another position of need. The Bengals addressed tight end in free agency with a mix of an external addition (Mike Gesicki) and re-signing players who were previously on the roster (Drew Sample). All played for two programs that were run-heavy college schemes (Michigan, Iowa). The big question is about the ACL injury he suffered in 2023 in his senior year at Iowa. However, the Bengals feel good about his recovery as he enters the pros.
Round 5, No. 149: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
My take: Newton is a cornerback who can play on the inside and outside, which represents a solid value pick for the Bengals. He was a captain at TCU, an honor Cincinnati values highly in draft prospects. He also is a solid tackler. That was an issue at times for Cincinnati's defense last season. Cincinnati will see where he fits best this offseason. That will track his development for future seasons. Should he stick on the inside, he could be a potential replacement for Mike Hilton.
Round 6, No. 194: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
My take: The Bengals double-up at tight end by taking McLachlan, who had 528 receiving yards and four touchdowns last year at Arizona. He's a sixth-year player who was invited to the Senior Bowl and gives Cincinnati some extra depth at that position. Cincinnati used two of its first three picks on Saturday on tight end.
Round 6: No. 214: Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Ole Miss
My take: The Bengals finally take an edge rusher in the draft. Johnson had 5.5 sacks in 10 starts for the Rebels last season. While there are valid questions about the future of Cincinnati's edge rushers in future years, Johnson is projected as a depth addition who will have to prove that he deserves snaps in the rotation.
Round 7, No. 224 overall: Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss
My take: Anthony worked his way up the college football ladder. After starting out at Division II Shepherd, he transferred to Liberty for two seasons before finishing his career at Ole Miss, where he made 10 starts in 13 appearances. The Bengals pick back-to-back players from the Rebels after taking Cedric Johnson with their previous pick. A depth addition for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Round 7, No. 237: Matt Lee, C, Miami
My take: The Bengals with the second of their seventh-round selections on Lee, a fifth-year senior. He spent the first four years of his college career at Central Florida before he finished up at Miami. The second-team All-ACC player will compete with Trey Hill for the back-up center position.