Monday, May 16, 2022

Cincinnati Bengals Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cincinnati Bengals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.6 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 2 (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 6 (Multiple)

Below you will find a post-NFL Draft roundup for the Bengals in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

Player who benefited most from draft: LB Germaine Pratt

Pratt, a fourth-round pick in 2019, arguably had his best year in '21 and showed what he can do as an off-ball linebacker. He had the game-sealing interception in the AFC wild-card game over the Raiders, the team's first playoff win in 31 years. After hitting the linebacker class hard in 2020 with three draftees at the position, the Bengals didn't draft any this year. That's a great sign for Pratt, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. While Cincinnati put itself in position to replace current starters with players from the '22 draft class, the lack of new linebackers could be a silent vote of confidence for Pratt. -- Ben Baby

NFL.com -- Rank: 6

Last year, the Bengals rolled the dice by passing on offensive line help at No. 5 overall in favor of Ja'Marr Chase, who made Duke Tobin and Co. look smart with a brilliant rookie season. Cincy used free agency to address -- aggressively -- its suspect offensive line, then used the draft to improve the back end of its defense, with the selections of defensive backs Daxton Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt. The Bengals are running their team with sound and direct logic -- they identify and attack deficiencies in an efficient manner. The 2022 draft was the latest example.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

The offseason was about fixing the offensive line, and they did it. They also added a few nice pieces in the draft on defense. All of that will again make this team a contender.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

Had they had next season's offensive line for last season's Super Bowl, Cincinnati is probably hoisting its first Lombardi Trophy. The Bengals should remain among the AFC's elite after a depth-fortifying draft, though it appears the rest of their division is closing the gap.

The Athletic -- Rank: 6

We appreciate that the Bengals knew what had to be fixed this offseason. That was upgrading the offensive line with veteran free-agent additions and building depth on defense, particularly in the secondary. If offensive line additions like tackle La'el Collins and guard Alex Cappa can help better protect quarterback Joe Burrow, Cincinnati should be among the AFC favorites.

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