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The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off the 2020 NFL Draft with a focus on improving their offense. They went with quarterback phenom Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. Star Clemson receive Tee Higgins was their second-round choice.
Now, they’ll have to start preparing for what they’d like to do in the 2021 NFL Draft after a four-win and one-tie season left them with the fifth-overall pick.
The Bengals were in a position to lock up the No. 3 overall pick and likely be gifted Penei Sewell in the draft, but a late-season two-game win streak bounced them down to five.
At No. 5, the Bengals, per some mock drafts, have a top prospect that isn’t an offensive lineman. Cincinnati, with a potential exodus of long-time star AJ Green, may opt to take a receiver, and the No. 1 receiver on the board is Joe Burrow’s former teammate Ja’Marr Chase.
What does 26-year-old Tyler Boyd, the Bengals No. 1 option at receiver in 2020, think about the potential of adding more depth at his position over bringing in more help for the offensive line?
Well, he “wouldn’t be shocked,” according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Bengals WR Tyler Boyd on if wants CIN to take a WR with the fifth overall pick: "I wouldn't be shocked because we've been picking a lot of skill position guys the last few years."
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) January 4, 2021
Boyd recorded two straight 1,000-yard seasons yet, with only ten receptions in the last six games of the season, failed to make that three straight.
That said, Boyd’s position as the top receiver will likely still be locked up, and he is correct in how the Bengals have recently gone after big-play potential in the early rounds as of late.
But, a wide receiver, given that the team has an ample amount of talent at the position, may be frowned upon unless the Bengals do something to improve their offensive line.