The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with 10 picks over the three-day draft.
The Bengals made Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims their first pick with the No. 18 selection. At 6-7, 340 pounds, Mims fits the mold of giant offensive tackle the Bengals have preferred. He’s raw with limited starts at Georgia, but won’t necessarily have to make an immediate impact with Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle and newly signed veteran Trent Brown on the right side. Cincinnati hopes Mims can protect quarterback Joe Burrow for years to come.
The Bengals have priorities at defensive tackle, offensive tackle and wide receiver, as well as depth pieces at interior offensive line and a wild card of cornerback always on the table.
After back-to-back middling draft classes, bills coming due at quarterback and receiver, plus 10 picks with the potential to add more, this becomes a foundational draft to determine the team’s long-term sustainability. Protecting Burrow is always a priority and Mims will be expected to fill that need. But the team also has to figure out a succession plan for wide receiver Tee Higgins, who appears likely to play this season on the franchise tag before possibly leaving as a free agent next offseason.
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The Bengals have Super Bowl hopes and this season with Higgins seems like an all-in effort to achieve that goal. This draft has the potential to fill some needs and add depth to bolster their chances.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Bengals pick.
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft 2024 ‘The Beast’ Guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports and player rankings
Round 1
No. 18: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
How he fits
Mims might be the freakiest athlete in the entire draft. The 6-foot-7, 340-pounder has 36 ⅛-inch arms and a near 87-inch wingspan (and 11 ¼-inch hands). A massive human, Mims also runs like a tight end and can deliver a punch that will de-cleat anybody. His ceiling is more or less out of this world. His floor, however? That’s another conversation. Mims only started eight games during his three years at Georgia, missing six last year with an ankle injury. A right tackle only in college, Mims still makes a ton of youthful mistakes with his eyes and feet and will fall off blocks far too easily. However, with time in an NFL system and the right offensive line coach, he could develop into a true star in front of Joe Burrow. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler analysis
Mims isn’t as far along fundamentally (especially in the run game) as other tackles in the class, but he is a natural in pass protection with above-average length, footwork and body twitch to handle different types of edge rushers. Though there is projection involved with his draft grade, his best football is ahead of him, and he has the talent to become a long-term starter at left or right tackle.
Paul Dehner Jr.’s analysis
Bengals draft Amarius Mims: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Nick Baumgardner’s grade: B+
NFL Draft 2024 grades for all 32 picks in Round 1: Williams an A, Penix earns a C
Round 2
No. 49: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
How he fits
The Bengals were in desperate need of help stopping the run. DJ Reader left for Detroit. Sheldon Rankins is more of a pass-rushing acquisition. The fact Jenkins was available at 49 was an ideal fit for the fabric of this team and coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense. The two-time captain brings elite character/leadership, NFL bloodlines as the son and nephew of former pros and among the freakiest athletic traits in the draft. He ranked in the 99th percentile for run stop percentage, via PFF. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Dane Brugler analysis
Jenkins might never be a high-production interior player, but he is light on his feet and heavy with his hands with the “do my job” mentality that NFL defensive coordinators appreciate. He projects as an NFL starter as a one-gapping tackle on the interior or two-gapping strongside defensive end.
Paul Dehner Jr.’s analysis
Bengals draft Kris Jenkins: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Scott Dochterman’s grade: A
NFL Draft Rounds 2 and 3 grades: Patriots reach for Fiske, Eagles earn A for DeJean
Round 3
No. 80
No. 97 (compensatory)
Round 4
No. 115
Round 5
No. 149
Round 6
No. 194
No. 214 (compensatory)
Round 7
No. 224 (from Texans)
No. 237
(Photo of Kris Jenkins: Michael Hickey / Getty Images)
