What direction will the Bengals go in?

Debate is still swirling around the Cincinnati Bengals and who they should select with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Conventional opinion suggests the Bengals must fortify the weakest part of their team from the previous year: the offensive line. A prized asset like young star quarterback Joe Burrow must be protected, and last year he was not.

Following that logic, Oregon OL Penei Sewell is expected to not only be available at No. 5, but also be the top offensive lineman on the big board. He was certainly the popular selection among Bengals’ supporters towards the end of last season when fans unveiled the “Penei For Your Thoughts” banner.

There is also the prevailing sentiment that drafting a player like Sewell will improve the rushing game on top of increasing pass protection. If true, a reinvigorated RB Joe Mixon would take weight off the shoulders of Burrow who was asked to throw 40 times a game on average.

But drafting offensive protection is simply not as flashy as selecting new offensive weapons for Burrow. Despite already possessing a talented wide receiver core including Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, there is a growing excitement around game-changing talent such as Florida TE Kyle Pitts or (Burrow’s former teammate) LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase. And the last time the Bengals selected a SEC wide receiver early in the first round to complement a young QB? Well, AJ Green turned out pretty good.

The last thing the Bengals want is to pass on a skill position superstar that is familiar with Burrow. Despite reports in March Burrow was lobbying for Chase at No. 5, Burrow insists he is not offering his input in such a decision.

Of course, the Bengals may decide they can get even more value by trading back in the draft by accepting a large offer from a team desperate to land their preferred selection before it’s too late. The drama is on the minds of many fans and industry executives alike. Former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum believes the Bengals should be disbanded if they pass on Sewell, citing the high probability of injury to Burrow again should Cincinnati choose to not address the offensive line early.

Ultimately, the situation may be a win-win. Regardless of the choice, the Bengals will likely draft a guaranteed starter at one position and improve at the other position later in the draft. However, a bust in the first round will be a major step backwards for an organization needing to provide Burrow (and a head coach in Zac Taylor, who is on the hot seat entering the season) the best chance to succeed.

The first round of the NFL Draft is tomorrow at 8 p.m.

Mock Draft predictions for the Bengals

ESPN – Penei Sewell
NFL.com – Penei Sewell
Pro Football Focus – Ja’Marr Chase
CBS Sports – Penei Sewell