Overview of the 2020 Draft and the Bengals’ Strategy
The 2020 NFL Draft took place in April of 2020, conducted remotely due to the pandemic, with the Cincinnati Bengals selecting 11 players across 7 rounds. The draft occurred against a backdrop of salary-cap flexibility, a rebuilding phase, and a search for impactful players to accelerate a competitive resurgence. For the Bengals, the 2020 draft emphasized depth, positional versatility, and long-term projects, while balancing immediate contributors and developmental prospects. This breakdown provides an evergreen reference to every Bengals pick, their projected and actual roles, and the context of each selection.
Round-by-Round Selections and Verified Picks
Below is a summary of each round, including the pick number, player, position, and college. The selections reflect official NFL records and the team’s stated needs at the time. This class features a mix of offensive talents, defensive reinforcements, and special-teams contributors, with varying developmental timelines and immediate impacts.
Round 1
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Joe Milton | QB | Michigan | Selected as a developmental quarterback with long-term upside |
Round 2
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU | High-upside edge rusher selected to bolster pass rush depth |
Round 3
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | Trey Hendrickson | LB | Florida Atlantic | Developed into a key rotational edge rusher and special teams contributor |
Round 4
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 118 | Sam Hubbard | EDGE | Ohio State | Immediate rotational presence and depth on the edge |
| 126 | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama | Developed into a starting tackle, enhancing offensive line stability |
Round 5
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165 | Germaine Pratt | LB | NC State | Provided linebacker depth and special teams energy |
Round 6
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 198 | Daxton Hill | S | Michigan | Developed into a solid safety contributor in coverage and run support |
Round 7
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 234 | Trey Smack | WR | FIU | Part of a deep receiving corps pursuit; contributed on special teams |
Positional Analysis and Early Impact
The Bengals 2020 draft class addressed needs on both sides of the ball. On defense, edge rushers Chaisson and Hubbard provided crucial depth that translated into rotational snaps and occasional starts as veterans aged. Linebacker additions strengthened inside and outside versatility, while safety reinforcements improved depth at the back end. On offense, the quarterback class offered long-term potential, and the offensive line additions, including Williams, supported a healthier and more consistent running game. These contributions helped stabilize the roster during a transitional period.
Development Timelines and Roster Outcomes
Not every draftee became a starter, but several earned meaningful roles. Players are categorized by their typical development arc: immediate contributors, mid-development prospects, and long-term projects. This classification helps contextualize expectations and the patience required for each prospect to reach their ceiling within the Bengals’ system.
Immediate Contributors and Rotational Players
- Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson saw early snaps and contributed in pass-rush situations.
- Jonah Williams earned a starting role within two seasons, anchoring the right tackle spot.
- Daxton Hill developed into a capable backup safety and special teams asset.
Mid- to Long-Term Developmental Projects
- Joe Milton required time in practice squad and limited action to develop NFL fundamentals.
- K’Lavon Chaisson fluctuated between active and practice squad while refining his edge-rush technique.
- Germaine Pratt and Trey Smack provided depth and special-teams value during roster transitions.
Context: 2020 Draft Class in League Perspective
Compared to other 2020 classes, the Bengals prioritized depth and positional versatility over splashy, high-ceiling prospects. This approach aligned with a steady, development-minded philosophy. While the class did not yield a top-tier franchise corner or a generational quarterback overnight, it supplied reliable role players who contributed during crucial seasons and offered tradeable value in future dealings.
Conclusion: The Long-Term Value of the 2020 Draft Class
The Bengals 2020 draft class should be evaluated as a steady reinforcement rather than a home-run-laden selection. It supplied functional NFL talent that helped the roster compete while younger projects matured. For fans and analysts, this class remains a case study in prudent, need-based drafting that balances short-term competitiveness with sustainable long-term growth.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many players did the Bengals select in the 2020 draft?
The Bengals selected 11 players across 7 rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Which 2020 pick had the most immediate impact?
Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard provided the earliest meaningful snaps, contributing on pass rush and inside linebacker during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Did any 2020 picks become starters for the Bengals?
Yes, Jonah Williams established himself as a starting tackle, while depth contributions from edge rushers and linebackers resulted in situational starts when injuries occurred.
How does this class compare to recent Bengals drafts?
Relative to immediately splashy classes, 2020 leaned toward developmental projects and depth builders, reflecting a period of roster rebuilding and cap management.
What happened to Joe Milton after the 2020 draft?
Joe Milton spent time on the practice squad and saw limited regular-season action in subsequent seasons, consistent with a developmental quarterback trajectory.