CBS Sports looked back at the 2015 NFL Draft class. This was the draft that set the Bengals back and ultimately ended their five-year (from 2011-15) stretch of making the playoffs. Did you forget who they picked? Let me refresh your memory:
21. Cedric Ogbuehi
53. Jake Fisher
85. Tyler Kroft
99. Paul Dawson
120. Josh Shaw
135. Marcus Hardison
157. CJ Uzomah
197. Derron Smith
238. Mario Alford
Six of those players remain with the team, but none of them have been great. Ogbuehi has been a bust and Fisher is a question mark heading into 2018. Kroft, Shaw and Uzomah have been decent, but this has been one of, if not their worst draft in a long time.
The Bengals neglected the wide receiver position in this draft. They passed on players like Tyler Lockett and Stefon Diggs, both of which would've solidified the future at the position. They could've sat and learned for a season and then helped fill the hole Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu left behind. Instead, the Bengals were forced to sign Brandon LaFell and rely on rookie Tyler Boyd in 2016. It wasn't a great wide receiver class, but those two players were on their radar prior to the draft. They're still trying to figure out the wide receiver position for 2018 and their top picks have struggled or are no longer on the team.
Here's what Pete Prisco of CBS Sports wrote about the Bengals 2015 draft class:
2015 grade: B+
The skinny: This looked to be the draft where the Bengals would fortify their aging line with future starters. It hasn't worked out. First-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi has been a disappointment and second-round tackle Jake Fisher was a starter last season, but was limited to six games because of a heart procedure. He is expected back as the starter at right tackle this season. They missed on third-round linebacker Paul Dawson, who was cut last year. The best pick was third-round tight end Tyler Kroft, who started 16 games and caught 42 passes last season. Fourth-round corner Josh Shaw has 14 starts in three seasons.
How I did: I liked the pick of Dawson, who is now in Seattle as a backup. Big miss. I questioned taking two tackles with the first two picks, and that has played out, even though I liked the players. My third-day gem was Shaw, who has been a value pick.
New grade: D
For more on the 2015 draft class, insight from A.J. Green, who discusses the new offense, listen to the Locked on Bengals podcast below.
My conversation with Bengals fourth round pick Mark Walton.
Dave Lapham and I talk all things Bengals draft.
I'm rooting for Quinton Flowers to succeed and you will too after hearing his story.
My thoughts on all 11 Bengals draft picks.
Listen to my conversation with Bengals DE Sam Hubbard.
We talked with Billy Price after the Bengals drafted him.
Subscribe to my new Reds podcast and listen to it here.
Subscribe to the Locked on Bengals Podcast here.
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Email Me: JamesRapien@ESPN1530.com
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