NFL Draft: 5 players Bengals must target in the first round

1. Trevor Penning

The Bengals are one team that should be unhappy about just how well Penning tested during this year’s NFL Combine. His size and power are clearly plus attributes, but he showed more athleticism than many scouts expected in Indianapolis.

Penning may never be a skilled technician as a pass-blocker at the left tackle spot, but he’s a powerful blocker who won’t be troubled by power rushes. That brute strength also allows him to project as the perfect lead blocker for Joe Mixon rushes on the left side of the formation.

Penning could be best served to start his career in Cincinnati on the right side before moving to Burrow’s blindside later in his career. That would take some pressure of pass blocking off of him while he learns how to handle the intricacies of his new NFL offense.

Penning isn’t a perfect prospect, but he’s got more than enough talent to mold into a high-quality starter at one of the game’s most valuable positions. Bengals fans should be thrilled if he falls all the way down to their favorite team at No. 31.