Bengals trade up, select QB Ryan Finley in Round 4

The Cincinnati Bengals struck a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to kick off Round 4. Cincinnati moved up from pick No. 110 to No. 104 to select NC State quarterback Ryan Finley.

The official compensation the Bengals have given up is the 183rd and the 198th overall selections. This leaves the Bengals with four sixth-round picks.

In the days leading up to the draft, it was reported that Finley was the only quarterback the Bengals brought in for a visit, despite perceived interest in other quarterbacks. Based on the aggressiveness Cincinnati showed with this move, it appears they had their eyes on Finley and Finley only.

The sixth quarterback taken in the draft, Finley was three-year starter at North Carolina State after transferring from Boise State. In 2018, he was First Team All-ACC and a finalist for the William V. Campbell trophy, which is awarded to the best scholar-athlete in the nation.

On the field, Finley has prototypical size at the position and experience. He has impressive intermediary accuracy, touch and feel for coverages. Average arm strength and mobility, along with his age (he turns 25 in December) is what likely limits him as an average starter.

With this move, Head coach Zac Taylor can develop Finley into a long-term option for the Bengals at the backup quarterback spot and likely puts Jeff Driskel’s roster spot in jeopardy. Very rarely do quarterbacks taken this late end up as long-term starters, but that shouldn’t be the expectation for Finley.

The Bengals have seven picks remaining today.

Bengals’ remaining top draft needs are:

DE, DT, LB, WR, RB

Day 3 NFL Draft schedule: 12 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 27

Here’s a link to the full seven-round NFL Draft order and live draft tracker!