The Bengals were hit unusually hard by injuries last year and that was a large reason for their season falling apart. Injuries are tough for any team to overcome, but some rosters are better equipped than others.
If last year underscored anything, it was that Cincinnati’s roster lacked depth as well as just talent in general. The roster looked very similar to last year’s after free agency. Thus, the draft was especially crucial.
The Bengals did a solid job in Nashville. Some teams ask their incoming rookies to do more than others. Given the way the team played last year, It looks like much of the class from Zac Taylor’s first draft will be asked to be immediate contributors and how they perform may well decide the team’s ability to contend.