Fresh from phenomenal seasons for both teams. The Cincinnati Bengals could be a beneficiary. From one of the heftiest draft classes in Cincinnati Football history.

Between what selections the Cincinnati Bengals make. Plus, perhaps the best draft prospects in Cincinnati Football’s history. Next week’s NFL Draft will feature a ton of intriguing local angles. Along with an intriguing opportunity for the Bengals. To boost their roster and fan enthusiasm through drafting some Cincinnati Bearcats.

I wrote here last year about the idea of the Bengals drafting Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder. Given the senior season Ridder is emerging from. Helping guide the Bearcats to a second-consecutive conference title. Wrapping up his college career with a school-record 87 touchdown passes. Plus, the first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.

Add the Bengals picking late in the first round to this. Thanks to their Super Bowl run last winter. Plus, improving the offensive line being the Bengals’ most glaring need heading into the draft. The possibility of the Bengals drafting Ridder now seems remote. Ridder is one of the most high-profile quarterbacks in this draft class. The idea of him being selected in the first round is not far-fetched. However, other draft eligible Bearcats could address some pressing needs for the Bengals.

The Bengals invited seven draft eligible Bearcats to workouts earlier this week. Defensive tackles Darrian Beavers, Curtis Brooks and Marcus Brown. Wide receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Young. Plus, linebacker Joel Dublanko and center Vinny McConnell. Beavers, Brooks, Brown and Dublanko could add to a Bengals defensive unit that made remarkable improvements last year. Cornerbacks Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Coby Bryant might not be available for the Bengals. Gardner is getting plenty of buzz as a potential top ten overall pick.

With the Bengals adding center Ted Karras through free agency. The Bengals will likely be content with not drafting a center. Pierce and Young could serve adequately as backup wide receivers. In case Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase aren’t available. Meanwhile, three more Bearcat players not featured at this week’s local workout are promising draft prospects.

The three Bearcats are safety Bryan Cook, running back Jerome Ford and defensive end Myjai Sanders. Cook could be an answer for the Bengals long-term at safety. If the Bengals don’t work out a long-term deal with Jessie Bates III. The Bengals franchise tagged Bates last month. Bates and the Bengals have until July 15th to work out a long-term extension. Regardless of whether Bates stays in Cincinnati with a long-term deal or not. Cook provides the Bengals with a promising backup plan in case Bates or Vonn Bell are unavailable.

Providing some backup is a reason for the Bengals to consider drafting Ford. Though few would blame the Bengals for being content with their current running back options. Along with Joe Mixon, one of the best running backs in the NFL today. Samaje Perine, Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams are also formidable options for Burrow to turn to. A similar factor could result in Myjai Sanders being passed over by the Bengals. Since the Bengals are likely content with not drafting a defensive end this year. Due to the presence of last season’s team sack-leader Trey Hendrickson and hometown player Sam Hubbard among others.

Beyond addressing needs, the Bengals drafting Bearcats would be a good public relations move. At a time when the Cincinnati Reds are having a horrible start to their season. Through their nine-game losing streak heading into Friday. Along with recent statements and offseason actions from Reds’ ownership angering Reds fans. All unfolding while the neighboring Bengals and Bearcats are emerging from title-winning seasons.