Assessing the value the Bengals got in drafting Wyatt Hubert

While upgrading the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line was one of the main stories of their 2021 NFL Draft class, they also managed to snag several promising prospects along the defensive line as well.

The team’s final pick in Round 7 was used on Kansas State defensive end Wyatt Hubert, who finished his college career with 20 sacks, 94 tackles and 33 tackles for loss in 34 games.

Following his redshirt junior season this past year, Hubert opted to enter the draft, despite not having a high level of stock. Coming into the draft, he was widely projected as a late Day 3/priority free agent, though several services had a draftable grade on him.

ESPN draft guru Todd McShay had Hubert ranked 290th overall in his final big board (350 players) and 25th among defensive ends. Fellow ESPN analyst Mel Kiper did not have Hubert among his top 150 players but did rank him 17th among defensive ends.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein gave Hubert a 5.88 grade (Backup/Special Teamer) and a Round 6-7 projection.

The consensus big board by The Athletic’s Arif Hasan had Hubert checking in at 251, so the Bengals got him at a decent value spot with the 235th overall pick.

Looking ahead, to make the Bengals’ final roster in 2021, Hubert will compete with the likes of Khalid Kareem, Amani Bledsoe and Freedom Akinmoladun for one of final defensive end spots. Bledsoe and Kareem were regulars in the rotation last year, while Akinmoladun was a sparingly used body who Hubert should be able to beat out.

Be sure to go follow our Twitter page and then go ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Cincinnati Bengals news, views and some other fun stuff. Who Dey!