NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to return to relevancy

By Michael Johnson

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts during the first half of a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts during the first half of a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

Round 2: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

Smart front offices understand how to build around young quarterbacks and it starts up front. The Bengals can use help on the right side of the offensive line. It’s a place that needed attention before the season. Yes, they’ve tried to make some efforts but it wasn’t there, especially after Jonah Williams’ preseason injury left him out for the year.

Meanwhile, Cordy Glenn is due $9.5 million in 2020 and could become a cap casualty. However, smart money says they keep him. If they do, they’ll have Glenn and a healthy Williams. All they’ll need is a player who comes in as a natural right tackle.

TCU’s Lucas Niang could be the guy for them. While Zac Taylor’s scheme does have flexibility, he’s run primarily zone blocking schemes and Niang has the ability to excel in such schemes. He has functional athleticism, length and power at the point of attack to help out in the run game.

Niang has natural strength and power that afforded him success against Chase Young, per The Draft Network:

"“Chase Young got him one time with speed to power but otherwise he’s difficult to straight bully. “"

Niang brings an attitude and style that mirrors what the Bengals want to do. He’ll help make running RPOs effective, as evidenced by the success of TCU’s offense in that regard. Drafting a player like Niang to put alongside Jonah Williams and Cordy Glenn to protect Joe Burrow makes them better.

Home/Cincinnati Bengals