2021 NFL Team Draft Page

Joe Burrow's injury was brutal. Not just because it derailed a promising, likely Rookie-Of-The-Year season for the former Heisman Trophy-winner, and not because it halted the momentum the Bengals had moving forward, but because of the fact that the extra structural damage done to Burrow's knee might keep him out beyond just 2020. Such a promising start to a career doesn't deserve such an early speed-bump followed by a massive uphill climb, but Burrow seems to be just the type of NFL quarterback that will come back stronger than he was when he left the field against Washington.

Moving forward, though, Cincinnati must continue to evaluate their young team. Where might they focus their 2021 NFL Draft? Well, you can start with the league's 28th-ranked defense, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA. If we take that a step further, you'll notice that the team ranks 21st in pass defense and 27th against the rush. One additional step further, and you'll find that the defensive line is the worst-performing unit at 31st-overall against the run and 32nd in sack rate on passing downs.

On the offensive side of the ball, the most glaring issue (29th in DVOA) is also the line (31st). I think it's pretty clear that the Bengals' new regime will be looking in the trenches early and often in the 2021 NFL Draft.

- Kennedy Paynter, DraftTek Senior Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)