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The third day of the drat was another good one for the Bengals. They added some depth at real areas of need. Whether it was linebacker, offensive line or on the edge, the Bengals added a player they hope can be a contributor at some point soon.
How did twitter react to the picks though?
Reactions to Akeem Davis-Gaither
This may have been one of the best value picks for Cincinnati. At this point they had three athletic linebackers capable of running around the field and being great in coverage. There are some injury concerns with Davis-Gaither, but if he can stay healthy there is no doubt that he will terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.
Another Senior Bowl pick for the Bengals is official. https://t.co/NkSLCCP2fd
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) April 25, 2020
I really like the Bengals class thus far ...
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2020
Round 1: LSU QB Joe Burrow
Round 2: Clemson WR Tee Higgins
Round 3: Wyoming LB Logan Wilson
Round 4: App State LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
We were both right! Only thing I don´t like is using 2 top 4 round picks on a less valuable position. https://t.co/GIBlhUcKc9
— Kyle (@bengalsjunkie) April 25, 2020
Bengals DC Lou Anarumo on LB jump to NFL: they showed down at the Senior Bowl they will fit in with the guys from all power conferences. When going against guys from LSU/Clemson it didn’t matter (they didn’t flinch)
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 25, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither is one of the best players left on my board. Bengals finally getting better at LB, especially in coverage
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 25, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither was my 60th overall player. One of my final second round grades available.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) April 25, 2020
The Cincinnati Bengals are having one hell of a draft.
CC: @BryanBroaddus
Bengals DC Lou Anarumo said the team's spending in free agency allows the team to be more flexible with its choices in the draft. Being active on the open market has its benefits.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) April 25, 2020
Lap called it on the podcast we posted last night right after round three
— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) April 25, 2020
A+ Pick.
— Jake Sirkus (@JakeSirkus) April 25, 2020
Davis-Gaither: Coach’s son, 3-Down player Bengals loved coaching at Senior Bowl
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) April 25, 2020
Bengals get their quarterback, new weapon they feel is first round talent and added to LB room (twice). So far so good.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 25, 2020
Reminder, the Bengals history with the positional double-up often ends up with the second more effective.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2020
Marvin Jones (5th) > Mo Sanu (3rd)
Carl Lawson (4th) > Jordan Willis (3rd)
After going back to back offensive picks the Bengals go back to back on the defensive side.
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) April 25, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither was on the south team at the Senior Bowl in January and spent a lot of time with the Bengals staff. https://t.co/1sIzNqe37B
ADG and Logan Wilson? Bengals LBs looking nice this year
— ℤℕ (@Thedrummer_180) April 25, 2020
Anarumo: ADG has some position fllex. We can move him around. Played some nickel at App State. He'll play special teams and potentially will be on the field for all 4 downs.#Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 25, 2020
#Bengals were all over Davis-Gaither in the pre-draft process. From Senior Bowl to virtual interviews, they were in on him for Day 3 early in the process. https://t.co/FgyzQTN373
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) April 25, 2020
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 25, 2020
#Bengals go back to the LB well with Akeem Davis-Gaither of App State.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2020
What's more classic for the #Bengals than a third-round LB?
The double up at a position of need.
Then dipping into the Sr. Bowl advantage.
Bengals are more on brand then ever this weekend.
Another great pick from the Bengals. They are absolutely killing the draft so far. Hopefully will address the OL in round 5
— Blake Jewell (@bjewell43_) April 25, 2020
I had been saying Akeem Davis-Gaither would probably be available for the Bengals in Rd4 because of the foot injury, but wasn’t sure they’d go with LB after grabbing Wilson, but addressing a positional need.
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) April 25, 2020
ADG!
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) April 25, 2020
While young, the Bengals finally have a competent LB room. I understand positional value, but LB group both present and future looks bright. Pratt, Wilson, and ADG should soak up everything Josh Bynes says and does.
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 25, 2020
ADG was the best player available by a large margin. He has the goods.
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 25, 2020
Grade: A+ even with the injuries
Bengals go with two Senior Bowl linebackers. Athletic guys. Loved ADG on tape.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 25, 2020
Anarumo: The mental part of the game will not be a problem for either of these LBs. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 25, 2020
Yes sir @AkeemDavis16 let’s work https://t.co/QxGCkR4ygI
— Germaine Pratt (@GermainePratt7) April 25, 2020
#Bengals #DukeTobin has been cooking with gas! Who is the next #Bengal?? #AkeemDavisGaither BINGO! Undersized Will linebacker with off the charts chase ability. Plays in the box and on the edge. Quick with initial read and react he can get downhill in a gap or fit the alley.
— Dan Shonka (@Ourlads_Shonka) April 25, 2020
With the 107th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...
— PFF (@PFF) April 25, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State pic.twitter.com/8aHcWhJHIf
Reactions to Khalid Kareem
Many fans expected offensive line to be the pick here, but the Bengals took a guy to add depth to their edge. He may not be flashy, but he is a guy who can play on early downs against the run really well. He still will have plenty of time to learn a few more pass rushing moves at the next level as well.
Congrats @khalid_kareem53 on being the 147th pick in the #NFLDraft to the @Bengals! We are so proud and excited to see you continue to play! #lasthawkstanding #hawkpride pic.twitter.com/JUGWUf28j8
— FH Harrison Football (@FHHarrisonFB) April 25, 2020
Another coach’s kid for the Bengals
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) April 25, 2020
#Bengals edge rusher Khalid Kareem on strengths: I never really give up on a play, my preparation and the time I put around football.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) April 25, 2020
With the No. 147 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Khalid Kareem.
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) April 25, 2020
TDN Scouting Report: https://t.co/pWSC7NEhaL#FrontOffice33 | #NFLDraft | #BengalsDraft pic.twitter.com/OLLL78MeHe
Bengals really focusing on high characters guys, coaches son's, team captains and winners. ZT is changing the culture of the team.
— Aurileus FC (@Aurileus13) April 25, 2020
Now grab Thad Moss in the 6th and Tyler Bass in the 7th to complete this masterclass
#WhoDEY #NewDEY #jOehio #RemontadaSZN
With the first pick of the fifth round, No. 147 overall, the @Bengals drafted #NotreDame DE Khalid Kareem.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) April 25, 2020
Kareem killed #USC when the game was in South Bend. He had two sacks of Sam Darnold in 2017. He had seven tackles and a sack this year. pic.twitter.com/pUVS5uE4cW
According to the reaction, the #Bengals bypassed Hall of Fame caliber offensive lineman in the 5th round for an edge defender that won’t make the team. pic.twitter.com/iHHvBonBT3
— Doug Smith (@_dougesmith_) April 25, 2020
Bengals aware they are allowed to draft an offensive lineman????
— Jay Riegs (@jayriegs) April 25, 2020
Kareem said he was thinking maybe he would go yesterday. He was filling his dog's food and water bowls when he got the call from the #Bengals.
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) April 25, 2020
Lou Anarumo on Kareem Khalid: "He's another guy that brings us flexibility... I see him as a DE to start."
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) April 25, 2020
Khalid Kareem has some serious power pic.twitter.com/GrT17yygyu
— Cincy Jungle (@CincyJungle) April 25, 2020
New Bengals DE Khalid Kareem wrote a book in third grade about winning Super Bowl 60 MVP, "that's still in reach. Hopefully I can make that dream come true." pic.twitter.com/Nk737YBaky
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) April 25, 2020
Bengals indeed do go with Khalid Kareem, as I just mentioned. Think Kareem is a very underrated prospect. https://t.co/8zOCSD97Io
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 25, 2020
New Bengals edge defender Khalid Kareem had an 81.1 PFF grade from his 2018 season. It was the highest of players from independent schools that year.
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) April 25, 2020
In round 5 with pick #147, the Bengals go with defensive end Khalid Kareem. In 3 seasons at Notre Dame Kareem totaled 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) April 25, 2020
From PFF: 132. EDGE KHALID KAREEM, NOTRE DAME
— Captain Obvious (@BengalsCaptain) April 25, 2020
There's not much about Kareem's game that's particularly exciting, but he does a lot of things well that will translate to the NFL. His versatility will be coveted by a lot of teams around the league.
With the 147th pick the Bengals select Notre Dame DE Khalid Kareem pic.twitter.com/swfcEnO1Dr
— Whodeynation_news (@whodeynationews) April 25, 2020
i would've taken khalid kareem before his teammate julian okwaram and this is right around where both of them graded out for me. guys who are young, pass the production and physical thresholds and with unknown athleticism and decent tape should go about here.
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) April 25, 2020
Bengals DC Lou Anarumo said Khalid Kareem's length and wingspan was a big factor in the pick. Also another former team captain in college.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) April 25, 2020
Khalid Kareem is so meh here. Had to go OL here with what was available. Limited upside. Fills a need because we were short on edges but there were so many better players available.
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 25, 2020
Grade: C-/D+
Would I have been more aggressive in fixing the offensive line? Abso-freaking-lutely.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2020
But think about all the money they have spent and moves they've made, it's important to remember a key line: This roster could not be completely fixed in one offseason.
I guess I'm just surprised they've gone 3/5 defensive picks after they went so heavy in free agency at that side of the ball
— Waldo Roren (@Waldo_Roren) April 25, 2020
— BENGALS TALK (@BengalsTalk) April 25, 2020
Khalid Kareem has some Sam Hubbard in him
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) April 25, 2020
Good all around, versatile
I don’t think I’ve seen him in coverage though
Reactions to Hakeem Adeniji
Adeniji may end up being fans favorite pick as the team finally addressed their offensive line. It took until the sixth round to actually do it, but they ended up with quite the value. He isn’t as huge of a steal as some of Cincinnati’s picks, but there is a chance we see him compete for a starting job here soon.
Bengals pick an OT with upside. Just missed my top 150, and is a good value here.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) April 25, 2020
Hakeem Adeniji, maybe not the exact player we wanted but definitely not a bad pick #Bengals
— Johnny Myers (@Bengals0723) April 25, 2020
Hakeem Adeniji!!!!! Amazing pick . One of the best OL available still. Great project tackle. Won’t contribute right away but is a great scheme fit.
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 25, 2020
Grade: B+
Like Adeniji to the #Bengals. Powerful player. Kicked inside at the Senior Bowl and looked much more comfortable.
— Jake Schyvinck (@JakeNFLDraft) April 25, 2020
Pick 180, Bengals: Hakeem Andeniji, IOL, Kansas
— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) April 25, 2020
Adeniji is a versatile and reliable OL. He should provide the Bengals with some good depth.
Grade: B
Bengals keep investing in the offense with Hakeem Adeniji #180. Best spot might be guard in NFL. Great athlete who’s physical in the run game. Needs to play with better leverage. Swing guard.
— Rob Paul (@RobPaulNFL) April 25, 2020
Grade: A-
Adeniji is yet another Senior Bowl pick. Played for the North Squad against the #Bengals.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 25, 2020
#Bengals kick off the sixth round with Kansas OT Hakeem Adeniji. A four year starter in college who played mostly left tackle but could play guard in the NFL.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) April 25, 2020
I’ll take it. Better than nothing
— Bengals and Dawgs Fan (@DawgsAndBengals) April 25, 2020
That’s my guy! https://t.co/c5vSe7mCyX
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) April 25, 2020
Hakeem Adeniji was another player the Benglas saw at the Senior Bowl. Make that three through six picks. He was second-team All-Big 12 (AP) last season at Kansas.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) April 25, 2020
Also, he hails from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. (Garland High).
Adeniji fits into the hybrid G/T type the Bengals lacked last year.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2020
And you'll be shocked to hear he participated in the Senior Bowl.
Another captain pick with Hakeem Adeniji
— Hunter Hardin (@hhardin_15) April 25, 2020
With the 180th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...
— PFF (@PFF) April 25, 2020
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas pic.twitter.com/5ABm5RlZ20
Happy with Hakeem Adeniji. Played Tackle but with kick inside to guard. Doesn't drive guys back with power but he has good fundamentals and a good back up piece. #Bengals #NFLDraft
— Andrew Dockerill (@dockerz77) April 25, 2020
Adeniji is another great value pick. Thought he could be a fourth rounder. I may be biased but the Bengals have a top five draft so far.
— Nick Crago (@FearDaTiger009) April 25, 2020
woo-hoo it was Adeniji !
— Cagen Cantrell (@CeeingTheDraft) April 25, 2020
Love the grip strength and drive with him. Probably kicks inside and gets reps with Su'a-Filo early on.
For what it’s worth, Adeniji was apart of @MoveTheSticks’ top 100 players. https://t.co/VAUEeDbSj6
Another template pick for the #Bengals.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 25, 2020
Team captain.
Four year starter.
Degree in leadership and management.
Bengals got a steal with @Keem78theGreat
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) April 25, 2020
Reactions to Markus Bailey
The Bengals may not have addressed the offensive line as much as many fans would’ve liked, but they really solidified their linebacker position for years to come. They finished the draft by taking their third linebacker, and Bailey could end up being a valuable depth player. He fell because of injury, but he looks like a guy who should’ve gone much sooner. If he is able to stay healthy it could be huge for Cincinnati.
Bengals select their third linebacker of the draft in Markus Bailey of Purdue.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) April 25, 2020
Now Cincinnati turns to undrafted free agency to fill some more holes.
Markus Bailey is simply a top 50 talent if healthy. Bengals continue to draft studs
— Bengals Perspective (@BPBengalsHandle) April 25, 2020
Grade: A-
If Markus Bailey can get back to 100% after his injury, watch out. Bengals have totally remade their LB room. Solid A draft overall. Onto UDFAs (3 made the opening day roster last last year)
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 25, 2020
that’s how you top it off pic.twitter.com/oUnRMlZkrs
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) April 25, 2020
GREAT draft. Thank you, Bengals! I can't wait to get the season started!!
— Captain Obvious (@BengalsCaptain) April 25, 2020
Markus Bailey. ANOTHER linebacker. Some of you are going to lose your minds.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 25, 2020
Markus Bailey is a lottery ticket at LB. 3 linebackers, 1 WR, 1 OL, 1 QB, 1 Edge player rounds out the class. They, uh, wanted linebackers.
— Jake (@Jake_NFL) April 25, 2020
Bengals spend huge in free agency at DL and DB, unable to find quality LB.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2020
So, they go for draft quantity and hope one or two pan out.
Lot of new pieces and throwing out the old puzzle on defense. But they have major changes at every level.
And the beat goes on.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 25, 2020
Bailey was a two-time team captain and a four-year* starter.
He only played 2 games in 2019 due to an injury and could have petitioned for a sixth season, but elected to enter the draft. #Bengals
Bengals have selected three linebackers that had a Rd 3 grade from me in Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither and Markus Bailey. Really nice job
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 25, 2020
Markus Bailey at the top of the seventh round is an absolute steal for the #Bengals. Red flags on the medicals with two knee injuries, but his tape was nice. Smart LB whose anticipation and instincts show up vs. run and pass. Really hope he can stay healthy.
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) April 25, 2020
With the 215th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...
— PFF (@PFF) April 25, 2020
Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue pic.twitter.com/rAvG7nBaX9
You keep , @mb_boiler21 will keep .
— ISC Purdue (@ISC_PU) April 25, 2020
With the 215th overall pick, Markus Bailey is headed to Cincinnati! pic.twitter.com/Ok1SfyTAXX
@Bengals NATION!!! Allow me to introduce myself
— Markus Bailey (@mb_boiler21) April 25, 2020
Excited to get to work!! #WhoDey #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/YBjrqeJ3Zo