Watching the NFL Draft play out in real time is intoxicating. One decision in the form of a single draft pick can start a chain reaction that impacts the entire weekend.
The Cincinnati Bengals own the 17th overall pick in the first round. That may seem like a mundane spot to pick from on the surface, but the choice the Bengals make could very well impact how teams behind them decide to close out the round.
And it all revolves around one position according to an NFL insider.
NFL insider shares what other teams believe the Bengals are planning with their first-round pick
Cincinnati has to decide what to do at the defensive end position. Trey Hendrickson is wanting a significant pay raise, perhaps too significant for the Bengals' liking. They could trade Hendrickson, and by doing so, the 17th pick would then likely be used on a player to replace him at that position.
According to Sportskeeda NFL insider Tony Pauline, if the Bengals do pick an edge player at 17, this could potentially start a run on the position during the final 14 picks.
The overwhelming feeling in the league is that the Cincinnati Bengals, who own the 17th pick, will determine if there’s a run on edge rushers during the second half of Round 1. If the Bengals take an edge rusher, the floodgates are expected to open up, and at least seven, or possibly eight, will be drafted before Day 1 is through. - Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline
That sounds like plenty of clubs picking behind the Bengals are targeting pass rushers off the edge in the first round, and perhaps not as many in front of Cincinnati's pick are planning on doing the same.
The Bengals did meet with plenty of notable edge rushers at the NFL Scouting Combine such as Marshall's Mike Green, Tennessee's James Pearce Jr., and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. At least one of those names should be available after the first 16 picks are in.
Fabrications, of course, are very common this time of year as league sources attempt to push narratives for their own benefit to get certain players to fall to their teams. The idea of the Cincinnati trading Hendrickson after the draft is over certainly fits as an unlikely possibility, and yet, that is what Pauline's sources tell him.
Many tell me the Bengals will do exactly that. Take an edge rusher with the 17th pick, and then trade Trey Hendrickson on draft weekend or soon after the seven rounds are completed. - Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline
Pauline also reports that defensive tackle is also a possible position the Bengals could use with pick No. 17. They're hosting Walter Nolen on a visit, so that seems to track.
The NFL is paying close attention to how the Hendrickson situation unfolds in Cincinnati. It could have major ramifications for the draft, but whether or not Hendrickson does get dealt away, the Bengals are very much interested in bolster their pass rush.
The league seems to understand that loud and clear.
