CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 07: (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The Bengals selection of wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday night was going to be polarizing no matter who they chose. On Friday night Cincinnati moved down eight spots in a trade with the New England Patriots. Cincinnati selected Clemson offensive tackle Jackson Carman 46th.
Carman was a reach according to the original NFL Draft Guru Mel Kiper Jr. Kiper had Carman graded as a third or fourth-round pick. Drafting Carman was a slight surprise, but the selection of an offensive lineman was expected.