:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66705162/usa_today_13982486.0.jpg)
It’s almost time for Round 2 of the NFL Draft, and the Bengals could go in a lot of directions with the 33rd overall pick.
According to CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Jones, the Bengals are planning to go offense with the 33rd pick if they keep said pick...
Belief is CIN and IND will start the second round with offense. Ross Blacklock could be the first defender to go tonight. Expect lots of trades.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 24, 2020
However, MMQB’s Albert Breer reports that the Bengals are working to trade down.
Per sources, the Bengals are actively exploring trading down from the 33rd overall pick, even with a couple guys there (Ross Blacklock, Josh Jones, etc.) they like. Indy looking to go down from the 34th spot, too.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 24, 2020
Lots of depth in the second round = movement on trades.
Earlier today, a report surfaced that the Bengals were looking at TCU defensive lineman Ross Blacklock and Baylor receiver Denzel Mims with the 33rd pick.
It sounds like Houston tackle Josh Jones is also now in the mix, and that’s who Paul Alexander hopes to see the Bengals draft.
If what Jones is saying is true, that would suggest Jones and Mims are more likely to go 33rd overall if the Bengals keep that pick. Blacklock is a very intriguing defensive prospect, but his season-ending Achilles injury in 2018 should give serious pause to a Bengals franchise that’s had the absolute worst luck imaginable drafting players with previous major injuries.
We’ll know soon enough what the Bengals decide to do with the first pick of Round 2.