The 2022 NFL draft is now in the books and I continue my breakdown of each team's IDP draft class. In the last installment of this series I wrote up the Chicago Bears and now I move to the Cincinnati Bengals where I look at who they drafted and the potential impact these rookies can have. The Bengals have some weak spots they need to improve and a potential glaring need looming, specifically in their secondary. I will cover every IDP drafted from the top overall pick to Mr irrelevant.
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan (1st Round 31st Pick)
Just as I mentioned above, the Bengals have a potential big need looming, which is the contract issue with star safety Jessie Bates. They couldn’t get a deal done last year and things aren’t looking good at the moment to get it done this year. If he leaves for free agency, the Cincinnati has a big hole to fill. With that in mind, they aggressively looked to the draft for options and started early by selecting Daxton Hill in the first round. Hill was a 23-game starter for the Wolverines, where he totaled 149 tackles, four interceptions, and 15 PBUs. At 6’0”/191 lbs Hill has top-level speed (4.38 sec), explosion, and coverage abilities that will make him an immediate starter for the Bengals. He has the ability to play both zone and man coverages naturally and with confidence. Until the Bates contract dilemma is settled, I can see the Bengals using Hill as a corner. He’s too talented to be waiting his turn and they desperately could use the help on the outside.
Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska (2nd Round, 60th Pick)
Cincinnati’s issues on the outside were exploited in the Super Bowl. It was clear that they had to get younger and more talented at cornerback. Taylor-Britt is a big long athletic player with experience playing both safety and cornerback. That versatility will be huge for the Bengals. He’s athletic and fast (4.38 sec), with an aggressive style of play. He excels when he can be physical and use his size to his advantage. Taylor-Britt is not the cleanest prospect but he’s an upgrade over what they have had lately. He can do a little of everything, as he finished 4th in the NCAA in forced fumbles (4) in 2019 and was 2nd in the Big Ten conference in both interceptions (2) and PBUs (11) in 2021. He also adds value as a returner. Hill should develop into a nice rotational piece that can be a jack of all trades type player.
Zachary Carter, DE, Florida (3rd Round 95th Pick)
In the 3rd round of the draft, the Bengals are pretty set with their starters and backups at the defensive end position but could use a young guy on the inside. BJ Hill and DJ Reader are the starters inside, but behind them, there is not much worth mentioning. Carter has the frame of 6’4”/282 lbs which will allow him to play both inside and outside of the defensive line. His easiest path to playing time is on the inside. Carter will have to add some mass if the interior is where he sticks, but he has experience playing the interior with his days at Florida in the SEC. For now, he’s a developmental backup player with potential upside to become a solid rotational piece.
Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo (5th Round 166th Pick)
At the beginning of this draft class breakdown for Cincinnati, I mentioned how they aggressively addressed the issues of their secondary. The Bengals selected Daxton Hill in the first round and take another safety, Tycen Anderson, here in the 5th round. Just because they drafted Hill doesn’t close the door on Anderson having a significant role. He’s big (6’2”/209 lbs), long, athletic, with the speed (4.36 sec) to cover almost anyone. He has the ranged to cover any spot on the field and plays the run with a purpose. While there is a lot to like about Anderson, he has some things he has to get cleaned up. Anderson has the speed and range, but his actual coverage skills need improvement. He’s a willing and determined tackler but will miss tackles mostly due to bad angles. These are things that are correctable with the proper coaching. Anderson has a lot of potential upside and the Bengals have plenty of opportunities for him. An excellent taxi squad stash.
Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina (7th Round 252nd Pick)
The Bengals take a shot here in the 7th round on a player that has some developmental upside as a pass rusher. Gunter was a star for the Coastal Carolina where he amassed 38½ TFLs and 17 sacks. A tall, long, athletic pass rusher who will be a situational option at best. His run defense is lacking, which limits his opportunities to get on the field. When on the field he has the high motor and athleticism to torment opposing QBs. Gunter needs to get stronger and do a much better job at getting off blocks. He has a solid toolbox but his technique needs work.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
