Grading the Bengals' draft

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B-

Best Pick: Edge Shemar Stewart, No. 17 Overall

What We Liked: Stewart has an impressive physical profile that should pair well with Trey Hendrickson coming off the line. The Bengals need a big splash after stagnating after their Super Bowl run, and they need more than a firecracker offense to get closer to the playoffs next year. Even their offensive additions should help keep Burrow stable, with third-round selection Dylan Fairchild as a high-floor guard prospect who has lots of experience. Barrett Carter, a linebacker taken in the fourth round, feels like a potential steal as well.

Not Sure About: Two linebackers feels like a bit much considering Germaine Pratt is a decent starter. Especially since I’m not sold on Demetrius Knight, who was a late bloomer at South Carolina and does not appear to have much more room to grow as a player. Fairchild is a solid interior lineman, but he doesn’t project to be a long-term starter and may just continue the revolving door for the Bengals.

–Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media