Bengals still aren't moving needle in post-NFL draft power rankings

One would think an almost universally praised offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals would result in some strong power rankings showings right now.

Or not.

Over at The Athletic, Josh Kendall put the Bengals at No. 23 in his post-draft power rankings, the same spot they held going into the draft.

“The second-round pick enters one of the best situations in the league, and, amazingly, it’s on the Bengals defense,” Kendall wrote. “Cincinnati rebuilt its defensive front with Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen. Whoever starts at edge opposite Mafe is going to have some clear paths, and it’s going to be either Howell or Myles Murphy.”

Notably, Cashus Howell, the Bengals’ second-round pick, could do some really interesting things for Al Golden in hybrid roles. That, while Boye Mafe and names like Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy man the more traditional EDGE roles.

At this point, a power ranking that tosses the Bengals in the top 10 wouldn’t be unjustified. Joe Burrow is a top-five player at his position and the team’s offensive line was so good last year that it returns the same starting five for the first time during the Burrow era.

The Bengals then spent top dollar at premium safety and pass-rusher spots before making the trade for Dexter Lawrence, giving them foundational veterans to hinge the entire scheme.