In this series, I will do a quick IDP daft review for each team. We’ll take a look at their IDP draft haul, what it means for their team, and the impact it will have on fantasy managers. We continue the series with the Cincinnati Bengals who are led by 5th-year head coach Zac Taylor, who led the Bears to a 12-4 record, and the second straight AFC Championship game. They are once again one of the favorites to contend for a championship but have some roster moves they need to fix. They attacked the draft aggressively with defense early, getting some major impact players. Let’s get started and take a deep dive into their IDP draft haul.
1st Round 29th overall - Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Bengals have an important decision looming ahead when they get ready to pay QB Joe Burrow. Cincinnati has Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard as their current starters. Hendrickson has two years left and with heavy cap hits and Hubbard has an out after this season. With the Burrow deal looming, the Bengals will likely look to start making cap room for the deal Burrow will command. What Cincy does with Hendrickson and Hubbard will tell us a lot. In fact, it looks as if they are preparing for just that when they drafted Myles Murphy in the 1st round with the 29th overall pick.
Murphy has been one of college football’s best EDGE rushers (36 TFLs & 18½ sacks) during his time at Clemson. He should contribute right away as part of a rotation and become a starter sooner rather than later. For those of you that play fantasy, Murphy is a must-roster addition.
2nd Round 60th overall - DJ Turner II, CB, Michigan
The Bengals got their young pass rusher (Murphy) of the future and now they focus on their biggest weakness, their secondary. It’s no secret that the Bengals need a much-needed upgrade at CB. They have veterans Mike Hilton and Chidobe Awuzie but they need an athletic youngster to pair with last year's rookie Cam Taylor-Britt who shined in his first year. Turner can absolutely fly (4.26 sec 40-yd) and is explosive! He doesn’t have the best size (5’11”/178 lbs) but is feisty, has good mirror skills, good technique, and keeps receivers close. He’ll have some trouble with tall receivers in jump ball situations, but his effort won’t be questioned. A great addition for the Bengals. In fantasy, Turner is worth a late-round flyer if you have space.
3rd Round 95th overall - Jordan Battle, SAF, Alabama
Now that have added a corner to their team, they have to address the elephant in the room, which is the safety position. The Bengals lost both of their starting safeties (Jessie Bates & Vonn Bell) to free agency, leaving big holes to fill. They have 2nd-year player, Daxton Hill, who they drafted last year, and new addition Nick Scott who they brought in thru free agency to help fill the void. That’s a good start but they need more depth and quality at the position and getting Jordan Battle in the 3rd round is a huge help. Battle was a star at college football powerhouse Alabama, where he recorded 252 tackles and six INTs. A physical player who can run and cover, and should play a lot early. Hill and Battle should be a formidable duo for many years as they replace Bates and Bell. In fantasy, Battle is a must-roster as he should provide plenty of tackles for your teams. He’ll start in a rotation but will become a starter soon.
7th Round 246th overall - DJ Ivey, CB, Miami
The Bengals used their last pick of this year’s draft and took a flyer on a on developmental player that can add some quality and depth to their secondary. Ivey has good size (6’1”/195 lbs) for a cornerback and tested well at his pro day. He excels in a press-man scheme and has lots of experience on special teams. Ivey will likely start on the practice squad where he can develop his game. Not worth drafting in fantasy leagues.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
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 email or dm me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
