How Bengals signing Jonathan Allen changes NFL draft plan
· Yahoo Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals addressed one of their biggest needs this offseason Thursday with the signing of former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Allen was released this month by the Vikings, just one season after signing a three-year, $51 million contract. He signed for $26 million over two years with the Bengals. Allen is the second defensive lineman to join the Bengals this offseason, following the signing of former Seattle Seahawks edge defender Boye Mafe.
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In continuing our series, we're looking at how the top free-agent signings for the Bengals will affect their draft strategy at that position.
With Allen now in the mix at $13 million per year, the Bengals now have two defensive tackles making over $10 million per year -- B.J. Hill is averaging $11 million per year. Both are under contract through 2027. They also have Tedarrell Slaton counting over $9 million against the cap this year.
The Bengals don't need to force a pick at No. 10 at the position. Caleb Banks of Florida could have been an option, but he suffered a broken foot at the Combine. No. 10 may be a bit too high for Miami's Kayden McDonald as a run-stuffing nose.
Days 2 and 3, on the other hand, could be a good spot to add depth. The Bengals have picks 41 and 72 that day. Names to keep an eye on in this range include Oklahoma's Gracen Halton, Georgia's Christen Miller, Michigan's Rayshaun Benny, Iowa State's Domonique Orange, Florida State's Darrell Jackson Jr., and Penn State's Zane Durant.
The starters are set with Hill and Allen. Depth can be touched on throughout the draft, but the Bengals can afford to look elsewhere with the first pick.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: How Bengals signing Jonathan Allen changes NFL draft plan