No matter what direction the Cincinnati Bengals take in the 2021 NFL Draft, pass-catching depth is must be an important part of their board. Whether it be stocking the wide receiver room or adding a piece at tight end, the team needs more weapons. Certainly, at fifth overall, the team could target one of the draft’s top pass-catching options right at the top. Regardless, they should still keep tabs on prospects likely to be available later in the draft. After all, giving Joe Burrow more weapons should be a major part of their long-term plans.
Cincinnati Bengals Draft Late Round Pass Catching Options
Bengals Pre-Draft Depth Chart
Despite a series of roster upgrades made during their off-season, the Bengals did not pad their receiving depth. While they have Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Auden Tate, and C.J. Uzomah on their roster, it’s a little bare beyond that group. Unproven depth players like Drew Sample, Mike Thomas, and Stanley Morgan are among the next up if something happens to the main core. Ensuring that second-year quarterback Joe Burrow has the necessary weapons at his disposal should be a top priority for that organization.
Granted, the Bengals draft could start with one of the best pass-catchers in the class. Around the league, there’s a belief that the team will snag Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s former LSU teammate, with the fifth pick. If they don’t go with Chase, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts could also be the team’s selection at the spot. However, if they go with another prospect, they must address pass-catchers as soon as possible thereafter. The team did add Thaddeus Moss on the waiver wire, but the young tight end has yet to take a professional snap. Given the team’s defensive splurge in free agency, it makes sense for them to stock their offensive rooms in the draft.
Mike Strachan, WR, College of Charleston
One of the players that Cincinnati met with during the pre-draft process, Mike Strachan is certainly a late-round option. While he’s not among the bigger names in later rounds, he has tools that make him a fit in the Bengals offense. Strachan was a touchdown machine at Charleston. He hauled in scores in 18 of his 22 collegiate games, including 19 during his final season of work. He may not be the fastest player, but Strachan is appealing given his size and hands as a red-zone weapon.
Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas University
Among the draft’s small-school, late-round targets, Jaelon Darden presents an intriguing option that could develop into a nice, long-term fit. Plus, if he doesn’t work out in the receiving game, there’s a belief that he could be a quality contributor to special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons’ unit. Darden is certainly undersized for the NFL, standing just over 5’7”, but his speed and agility are very impressive. He may never be among a group of starting receivers, though his quickness could make him a good depth piece for a modern receiving room. After all, in a league where speed kills, Darden could be a deadly fourth or fifth receiving option.
Matt Bushman, TE, Brigham Young University
Missing all of the 2020 season with an Achilles injury, Matt Bushman comes in with medical red flags, yet has a high ceiling. He wasn’t a part of Zach Wilson’s breakout season at BYU, though he was a primary target in the three years prior. In 2019, he compiled 688 yards, 47 receptions, and four touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. Standing 6’5” with good size and speed, Bushman is the definition of a mismatch in the passing game. He is not going to overpower defenders as a blocker, meaning he would be used as a versatile player in Cincinnati’s vertical offense. Without a doubt, he’ll need to do a better job creating separation at the professional level. Still, with good ball skills, Bushman could breakout quickly in the league as long as he can stay healthy.
Trevon Grimes, WR, University of Florida
Among the draft’s high-ceiling talents in the later rounds, Trevon Grimes makes a solid fit for the Bengals roster. For one, Grimes already has some familiarity with Burrow. Both players were SEC-imports from Ohio State, where Grimes originally joined as a five-star prospect. Grimes is capable of making splash plays in the passing game, displaying burst after the catch. Further, he looks great when tracking deep balls, something that wasn’t necessarily a strong suit of Florida’s quarterback, Kyle Trask.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, University of Iowa
Another target that the Bengals have already interviewed in the pre-draft process, Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a great fit early on Day 3. While he could sneak up boards due to his versatility and explosion, he provides something needed in the Bengals offense. Smith-Marsette is an excellent route runner and has the ability to play outside with ease. Smith-Marsette also has great body control, allowing him to haul in tough catches. With the departure of Alex Erickson this off-season, the team needs a new kick returner too. In four years at Iowa, Smith-Marsette averaged 28.7 yards per return, including two touchdowns during the 2019 season. Depending on how the rest of their board lands, Smith-Marsette makes for a perfect fit for the Cincinnati Bengals draft plans.
Last Word on Cincinnati Bengals Draft Late Round Pass Catching Options
The 2021 class might not have as many high-end talents as last year’s class, yet there are certainly some intriguing talents. While the Bengals could go with Ja’Marr Chase at fifth overall and really beef up their receiver room, or turn to the depth options later in the draft. Given their need to add a returner, targeting a receiver on day three makes a lot of sense. However, adding a tight end, a position that Burrow loves to target could really amp up the team’s offense in a hurry.
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