The Smartest Pick Bengals Made in 2020 NFL Draft
By Tyler Kemp
Following a year of turnover and injuries, the Bengals found themselves picking at the top of the draft for the first time since selectig Carson Palmer in 2003. While LSU quarterback Joe Burrow will be the future of the franchise in Cincy, there are a couple of other draft picks to be on the lookout for going into the 2020 season.
The second round saw the Bengals get Burrow another weapon in Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins, and while Cincinnati’s offense looks solid on paper, the defense is what needed the most work. As a result, head coach Zac Taylor’s squad invested some of its later picks on the defensive side of the ball. One in particular stands out over the rest.
Bengals getting really athletic at their worst position. Akeem Davis Gaither is an athletic freak. Bengals looked to have finally fixed their LB position.
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 25, 2020
Following a season with 101 tackles, five sacks and an interception, Akeem Davis-Gaither out of Appalachian State was picked in the fourth round by Cincinnati. The Bengals had a need at linebacker and Davis-Gaither fit the bill. Based on Pro Football Focus, the Bengals got a lot of value in picking Davis-Gaither at 107th overall.
With the 107th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...
— PFF (@PFF) April 25, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State pic.twitter.com/8aHcWhJHIf
Cincinnati has plenty of holes to fill in its linebacker group. With Davis-Gaither’s ability to both rack up tackles, blitz the quarterback and play both man and zone coverage, he could make Bengals brass look really smart for stealing him in the fourth round.