How did ESPN grade the Bengals’ rookie class?

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 14: John Ross #15 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 14: John Ross #15 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Sports
By Gabriel Burns
Jan 12, 2018
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The Bengals’ latest draft class was a story of high highs and low lows.

First round pick John Ross had no contributions as a receiver. Fourth round pick Carl Lawson blossomed into the pass rusher they needed. Kicker Jake Elliott was cut, only to find success in Philadelphia.

ESPN graded draft classes as perfection, near perfection, average and below average. The Bengals came in at average.

"The Bengals selected 11 players in the draft. While Joe Mixon, Jordan Willis, Carl Lawson, Josh Malone, Ryan Glasgow and Jordan Evans saw significant snaps, Lawson was clearly the star of the show."

The class still offers potential. Ross touched the ball once all season, so it’s hard to qualify his ceiling. Lawson and Mixon could end up star-level players.

With Marvin Lewis back in the fold, he’ll need to find a way to better translate talent into team success.

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About the Author

Gabriel Burns