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Meet the Cincinnati Bengals' 2024 NFL Draft class

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated 4/28/24

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Cincinnati Bengals have added 10 players to their roster.

Sandwiched by two athletic offensive linemen, the Bengals made some big swings to raise the ceiling of the offense, added three defensive linemen, and a couple versatile defensive backs.

Here is the complete look at the Bengals' 2024 NFL Draft class.

First round, 18th overall: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims was one of the more likely first round targets for Cincinnati. He was a 5-star recruit from a College Football Playoff staple, and has the size, athleticism, and natural ability the Bengals have been craving at the tackle position. He's a bit inexperienced in terms of playing time and had an injury-filled 2023 season, but the positives outweigh those negatives. He'll slide right in as the swing tackle and is set to be the right tackle of the future. He may even take over there this season if Trent Brown's past injury history pops up again.

Second round, 49th overall: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

The latest Wolverine to be drafted by the Bengals is also the highest-drafted defensive tackle by the club in 12 years. Jenkins is one of the most productive run-defending interior linemen in the draft, and is a freakishly strong and explosive athlete to boot. He's a massive upgrade over Zach Carter as the defense's third defensive tackle and will work alongside starters Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill this year. Expect him to play at least a few hundred snaps as a rookie, primarily on base downs, and grow into a leadership role like he did as a team captain at Michigan.

Nov 25, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jermaine Burton (3) celebrates his touchdown against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium.© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Third round, 80th overall: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

The first true surprise of Cincinnati's draft was Burton, a highly-talented vertical threat with plenty of baggage. The Bengals set out to become more explosive this offseason, which makes Burton a perfect fit as one of the most explosive weapons in this entire draft. His maturity needs to grow, but by all accounts, he's all about ball and works hard. He'll fit right in the locker room with those qualities. He's penciled in as the third wideout in this offense and will see targets immediately. How much his role grows depends on how serious he is about proving his doubters wrong.

Third round, 97th overall: McKinnley Jackson, NT, Texas A&M

Nose tackle was arguably the Bengals' biggest immediate need and they addressed it a little earlier than expected. Jackson is a bit shorter for a true nose, but that's where he played his best ball for the school head coach Zac Taylor was a graduate assistant. He's got plenty of pop and plays with natural leverage, and he's a two-time team captain with a no-nonsense way of working. He'll see the field early as he's the answer to DJ Reader leaving in free agency.

Fourth round, 115th overall: Erick All, TE, Iowa

Much like Burton, All has the potential to become a great value pick for the Bengals. He's a legitimate downfield receiver with the strength and proven effort to win as an inline blocker. His resume could start and stop with "Iowa tight end" and it'd be enough. Two major injuries from his recent past cloud his long-term projection, but All produced like a future all-around starter at the tight end position. That's what the Bengals have needed for the past two years. The question is if he'll be ready to play this year after suffering a torn ACL last fall.

Fifth round, 149th overall: Josh Newton, CB, TCU

The Bengals' last big need in the draft was cornerback, and Newton comes in with a decent floor as a spot starter. He isn't the biggest or fastest at the position, but he does know how to find the ball in the air. Experience, production, and inside-outside versatility are on his side to become a solid reserve at the position. He'll mainly be used on special teams barring injury ahead of him.

Sixth round, 194th overall: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

The Bengals double-dipped at two positions with McLachlan joining All in the tight end room. Speed matters more than any athleticism trait at the position, and McLachlan has that at decent size. He's one of the older players in this class (already 25 years old) and only played two years against FBS competition, so he's a late-developing project. But his production at Arizona combined with his athletic profile makes him an intriguing case to crack the roster as a rookie. He'll have to beat out a veteran, most likely Tanner Hudson.

Sixth round, 214th overall: Cedric Johnson, ED, Ole Miss

Young athletes are decent bets to take outside the top 200 picks, and that's who Johnson is. He's not yet 22 years old and boasts tremendous speed and explosion for his size. He's also built like the typical Bengals edge defender. There's not much of a path for Johnson to make the team, but he can make some noise in training camp.

Seventh round, 224th overall: Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss

The Bengals went back-to-back Ole Miss defensive players with Anthony, someone they spent a top 30 visit on. Anthony played at three different schools and ended his college career leading Ole Miss in forced fumbles, interceptions, and passes defensed in 2023. The Bengals' safety room will look a lot different this season, and Anthony could beat out Tycen Anderson.

Seventh round, 237th overall: Matt Lee, C, Miami (FL)

The Bengals may've found a center of the future with their final pick in the draft. Lee is one of the most athletic interior linemen in this class, and his film was promising as well. His lack of size might limit him to center, but he's got the goods to eventually take over for Ted Karras.