This week’s review takes a look back at the 2020 NFL Draft. Taking stock of the Cincinnati Bengals picks and other local draft connections. While also taking stock of draft weekend overall.

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Report Card

The Bengals did what just about everyone expected them to do. Drafting LSU Football quarterback Joe Burrow first overall. Cincinnati began Friday’s second round by drafting Clemson Football wide receiver Tee Higgins. Giving Burrow and Andy Dalton a promising first-round worthy receiver. While lightening the load for wide receivers A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd.

Cincinnati drafted two linebackers in the third and fourth rounds. Both coming from recent top 25 Group of Five Conference schools. Drafting Wyoming Football’s Logan Wilson in the third round. Appalachian State Football’s Akeem Davis-Gaither was the Bengals fourth round pick.  Both potentially filling a void left behind by Nick Vigil’s recent departure.

Notre Dame Football defensive end Khalid Kareem was the Bengals fifth round pick. Cincinnati added to their offensive line in the sixth round. Drafting Kansas Football offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji to help rebuild Cincinnati’s beleaguered o-line. Cincinnati’s last selection was their most bewildering. Drafting Purdue Football linebacker Markus Bailey in the seventh round.

Bailey spent most of the 2019 season sidelined by an ACL injury. Cincinnati has struggled with rookie injuries through the last five years. Two of their last five first round picks missed their entire rookie seasons due to an injury. At least Cincinnati has some wiggle room with Bailey. Being one of three linebackers in the 2020 Bengals draft class.

Overall, the Bengals addressed their biggest concerns in this draft. Getting their next franchise quarterback and go-to receiver. While providing a much needed boost to their defense. The Bengals didn’t do as much to boost their offensive line. They also didn’t do anything to lighten the load for tight end C.J. Uzomah. Despite that, the Bengals still get high marks in this draft. An overall B based on first impressions in this writer’s view.

Other local connections

Elsewhere locally, Cincinnati Football tight end Josiah Deguara was drafted on Friday night. Drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers. Teammate Michael Warren II was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles; joining the team as an undrafted free agent. Dayton Football’s Adam Trautman was drafted in the third round. Joining the New Orleans Saints as Dayton’s first drafted player since 1977.

Miami Ohio Football kicker Sam Sloman was drafted in the seventh round. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams; while teammate Doug Costin signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The New York Jets drafted Louisville Football’s Mekhi Becton in the first round. The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Kentucky Football’s Lynn Bowden Jr. While teammate Logan Stenberg was drafted in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions.

Draft weekend overall

The most interesting thing about the 2020 NFL Draft was how typical it felt. Despite this being the most unorthodox draft in NFL history. Conducted virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no noticeably disruptive major technical glitches. Overall, it was an event lacking in many surprises and drama.

Visually, this virtual draft had a few potentially  meme-worthy moments. There was Rodger Goodell lounging in his basement on Friday night. As if he was about to read everyone a bedtime story. Jerry Jones’ draft room looking a Bond villain’s lair. Bill Belichick’s dog when the New England Patriots made their first pick. Plus, Andy Reid rocking a Hawaiian shirt for the draft. All playing a part in a historically unusual but smooth-running NFL Draft.