As they wrap up OTAs, the Bengals can feel good about their 2024 draft haul.

It might not be the sexy draft for fantasy football that some teams had, but for this franchise, if things go well, it will turn out to be a good draft.

The massive OT Amarius Mims from Georgia is a huge (6-7, 340) and the first round pick at 18. He may not start right away but will be tutored by veterans and should be a capable back up this season if something happens but will certainly be a strong long-term player at tackle and give QB Joe Burrow the protection he needs.

The second pick was DT Kris Jenkins from Michigan. He is a strong run defender and a much needed piece on a defense that struggled to stop the run in 2023. If Jenkins can make an impact and keep teams from converting those short yardage situations, it will put the Bengals offense back out on the field to score points for themselves and our fantasy teams.

WR Jermaine Burton from Alabama is the key fantasy player in this draft. He is full capable of slotting into a third receiver role, at least from a talent standpoint. Some have expressed concerns for Burton and his character but if that is not an issue going forward, he can be a solid top 24 receiver in this offense if he is the ultimate replacement for WR Tee Higgins, who by the way has not signed his franchise tender as of yet. Burton is worth a second round pick in my book in your fantasy drafts based on talent and potential in this offense.

DT McKinnley Jackson is another big guy for the defensive line at 325 pounds. If he can play with a high motor every time he is on the field, he will make an impact in the middle of the defensive line that is missing DT D.J. Reader who left in free agency to Detroit.

TE Erick All is intriguing because he comes from Iowa which has proven to be one of the great tight end colleges in the nation in recent years. If All stays healthy he will play this year but not sure of his immediate impact. Long term though he could be a strong tight end for a team that hasn't showcased the tight end in the last few years. Was that because they don't or because the tight ends haven't been good enough? Time will tell but All is worth a flier.

DB Josh Newton is a solid cover corner who has some ball skill issues. He will play this season but if the youth in the secondary can play well enough to keep this guy on the bench then that may be the best thing for the Bengals.

Another tight end went in the sixth and it was TE Tanner McLachlan from Arizona. He is a super receiver but struggles in the blocking aspect of the game. If he can block, he might be on the field more and end up better than All, just doesn't have that Iowa pedigree.

Also in the sixth, DE Cedric Johnson was taken and if he can learn the pro game he has all the tools to be a strong edge rusher.

In the second, DB Daijahn Anthony was the first pick and OL Matt Lee from Miami was the next pick. Anthony is not overly big but will stick his nose in there as a run supporter. Lee is a sub-300 pounder who will need to put on some weight but could be a contributor in the long haul.

All in all, this appears to be a good draft for the Bengals. Of course, draft experts and all the websites want to post grades before any of these guys put on a uniform. Ultimately, the grades mean nothing and we really won't know how this bunch turned out for several years. Still, they picked up players who can contribute in different aspects this season. While they may not be superstars, this appears to be a solid ground of guys that can help keep this team in Super Bowl contention.

End.