The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled to back up an epic two-year run that featured a trip to Super Bowl LVI and an AFC Championship Game bid. Consecutive 9-8 seasons have left them on the outside looking in at the playoffs, with a lack of immediate impact from their drafts looming as a big reason.
Cincinnati's 2024 draft class looked promising on paper, but third-round pick Jermaine Burton had a trying maiden pro campaign. The would-be X-factor to the Bengals' passing attack managed only four receptions on 14 targets, and was in coach Zac Taylor's doghouse for a lack of professionalism.