{"id":110499,"date":"2021-04-19T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T14:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=110499"},"modified":"2021-04-19T10:46:22","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T14:46:22","slug":"cincinnati-bengals-draft-late-round-pass-catching-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/19\/cincinnati-bengals-draft-late-round-pass-catching-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Cincinnati Bengals Draft Late Round Pass Catching Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter what direction the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> 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\u2019s 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<\/a> more weapons should be a major part<\/a> of their long-term plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Late Round Pass Catching Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bengals Pre-Draft Depth Chart<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite a series of roster upgrades made during their off-season, the Bengals did not pad their receiving depth. While they have Tee Higgins<\/a>, Tyler Boyd<\/a>, Auden Tate<\/a>, and C.J. Uzomah<\/a> on their roster, it\u2019s a little bare beyond that group. Unproven depth players like Drew Sample<\/a>, Mike Thomas<\/a>, and Stanley Morgan<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Granted, the Bengals draft could start with one of the best pass-catchers in the class. Around the league, there\u2019s a belief<\/a> that the team will snag Ja\u2019Marr Chase<\/a>, Burrow\u2019s former LSU teammate, with the fifth pick. If they don\u2019t go with Chase, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts<\/a> could also be the team\u2019s 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<\/a> on the waiver wire<\/a>, but the young tight end has yet to take a professional snap. Given the team\u2019s defensive splurge in free agency, it makes sense for them to stock their offensive rooms in the draft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Strachan, WR, College of Charleston<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the players that Cincinnati met with during<\/a> the pre-draft process, Mike Strachan<\/a> is certainly a late-round option. While he\u2019s 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<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas University<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Among the draft\u2019s small-school, late-round targets, Jaelon Darden<\/a> presents an intriguing option that could develop into a nice, long-term fit. Plus, if he doesn\u2019t work out in the receiving game, there\u2019s 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\u20197\u201d, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt Bushman, TE, Brigham Young University<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Missing all of the 2020 season with an Achilles injury<\/a>, Matt Bushman<\/a> comes in with medical red flags, yet has a high ceiling. He wasn\u2019t a part of Zach Wilson<\/a>\u2019s 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\u20195\u201d 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\u2019ll 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trevon Grimes, WR, University of Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Among the draft\u2019s high-ceiling talents in the later rounds, Trevon Grimes<\/a> makes a solid fit for the Bengals roster. For one, Grimes already has some familiarity with Burrow. Both players were SEC-imports<\/a> 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\u2019t necessarily a strong suit of Florida\u2019s quarterback, Kyle Trask<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, University of Iowa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another target that the Bengals have already interviewed<\/a> in the pre-draft process, Ihmir Smith-Marsette<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last Word on <\/strong>Cincinnati Bengals Draft Late Round Pass Catching Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s offense in a hurry. <\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images<\/a>