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NFL Draft 2017 Poll: Do you approve of the Bengals selecting Jordan Willis?

The Bengals address their biggest needs with one of the draft’s best defensive ends.

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NCAA Football: West Virginia at Kansas State Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals needed pass-rushers coming into the NFL Draft, and they ended up getting one of the best in this class in Round 3.

It came when Cincinnati took Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis, who was regarded as a top-tier pass-rusher in this class, but he somehow managed to fall into Round 3 before the Bengals snatched him up.

Willis was a force for the Wildcats this past season, racking up 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and 52 total tackles. Putting up those kinds of numbers is good at any league, let alone a Power 5 conference like the Big 12.

The Bengals had to find someone who can compliment this defensive line and take pressure off of Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, two Pro Bowl-caliber players who get heavily focused on by opposing offenses. No other lineman has been able to keep that from happening and make an impact himself. Willis is the kind of guy who can make some noise himself while freeing up Dunlap and Atkins more.

Coming into Day 2 of the draft, Willis was Pro Football Focus’ third-best player available, and he was their 15th-best prospect coming into the draft. He’s a bit undersized for a 4-3 end at 6’4” and 255 pounds, which is a big reason why he fell this far.

Willis won’t solve all of the Bengals’ pass-rushing woes, but he’ll be a major help in that department.

Poll

How do you grade the Bengals’ Round 3 selection of Jordan Willis?

This poll is closed

  • 72%
    A
    (2575 votes)
  • 23%
    B
    (821 votes)
  • 3%
    C
    (128 votes)
  • 0%
    D
    (19 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (23 votes)
3566 votes total Vote Now