Bengals 2016 NFL Draft Review

First pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston (No. 24)

Other notable picks: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh (55); Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor (122); Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State (161)

The Bengals most agree had a very strong 2016 NFL Draft, we have seen grades from B- to A+ regularly. Going into the draft most Bengal's fans was wanting a WR to fill the void left by Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, which for sure made sense. The Bengals, known for taking the best talent on the board and not reaching did just that by selecting CB William Jackson with the 24th overall pick in the 1st round. Stealing Jackson one pick before the CB-needy Steelers hit the clock was a bonus that Bengals fans will always remember if Jackson lives up to his talent on the field.

In the 2nd round the Bengals drafted the WR most assumed was coming in round 1. Tyler Boyd may not be a superstar play maker for the Bengals, but he's the dependable wide out the team needs opposite A.J. Green. He's going to be a dependable pass catcher for Andy Dalton and could quickly become a favorite target of Dalton due to the many ways he can excel with the football. Landing FA Brandon LaFell from the Patriots should take some pressure off of Boyd in his rookie year, this kid has a chance to be better than Marvin Jones which would help the Bengals take the step needed to be considered elite in the NFL.

The Bengals seemed to be in the right place at the right time allot in this draft. Talent you saw slip and slip, then the Bengals got on the clock and took advantage. Andrew Billings is a prime example of a value pick. There was rumors of the Bengals taking Billings as high as the 2nd round. He is considered a 1st round talent, strong as an ox and known for stopping the run. Billings will be a welcomed edition to the Bengals defense. In the 5th round the Bengals also scored great value with Christian Westerman. Westerman is a powerhouse blocker up front that could be a staple on the offensive line for years to come.

• Sixth-round WR Cody Core is a name to remember from Cincinnati’s picks. He was the Robin to Laquon Treadwell’s Batman at Ole Miss but can be a big-play threat in his own right
• Past 1st Round Bengals Draft Picks Sinice 1994
  Dan Wilkinson - 1994
  Ki-Jana Carter - 1995
  Willie Anderson · 1996
  Reinard Wilson · 1997
  Takeo Spikes · 1998
  Brian Simmons · 1998
  Akili Smith · 1999
  Peter Warrick · 2000
  Justin Smith · 2001
  Levi Jones · 2002
  Carson Palmer · 2003
  Chris Perry · 2004
  David Pollack · 2005
  Johnathan Joseph · 2006
  Leon Hall · 2007
  Kieth Rivers · 2008
  Andre Smith · 2009
  Jermaine Gresham · 2010
  A.J. Green · 2011
  Dre Kirkpatrick · 2012
  Tyler Eifert · 2013
  Darqueze Dennard · 2014
  Cedric Ogbuehi · 2015
  William Jackson III - 2016

Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp

I often hear how football is now a 365 day a year sport, let me say it sure does not feel like it to me! The feeling of knowing that training camp is here for my Bengals means it is about time for football. The Bengals open training camp kicks off its fifth year July 29 at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals Training Camp, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will offer several events free to the public, including joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings and Family Day.

If you have never attended Bengals training camp I highly recommend it. It is a great time to see the players up close and really see them work. Check out the Bengals training camp schedule and choose a day that best fits you. If you have a family of Bengals fans family Day will take place Aug. 6 at Paul Brown Stadium. The event will feature face painting, balloon artists, pictures with team mascot Who Dey and an NFL Play 60 Activity Zone.

The Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings will practice together on Aug. 10 and 11 in preparation for the preseason opener at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Paul Brown Stadium. These practices will be held on the grass fields just west of Paul Brown Stadium. The grass fields will have bleacher seating for 1250 fans, plus additional standing room along the sidelines. All practices will give fans the opportunity to snag free autographs from their favorite players.

Times of practices are subject to change, so fans should check the training camp website for the latest information.

Bengals 2016 Training Camp Schedule