Duke Tobin took over as the Bengals Director of Player Personnel in 1999, effectively acting as their General Manager. Since then, Cincinnati has seen some high-end draft picks change their franchise. They’ve also fallen victim to head scratching and fist pounding busts of the the NFL Draft. Let’s review their best classes and other that we’d like to forget.

1999

• Round 1 Pick 1: Akili Smith, QB 1999-2002
• Round 2 Pick 33: Charles Fisher, DB 1999-1999
• Round 3 Pick 65: Cory Hall, DB 1999-2004
• Round 4 Pick 98: Craig Yeast, WR 1999-2001
• Round 5 Pick 135: Nick Luchey, FB 1999-2005
• Round 6 Pick 173: Kelly Gregg, NT 1999-2011
• Round 7 Pick 209: Tony Coats, G 1999-1999
• Round 7 Pick 245: Scott Covington, QB 1999-2002
• Round 7 Pick 249: Donald Broomfield, DT 1999-1999

Duke Tobin’s first draft class was a disaster. Not only did the Bengals whiff on taking a franchise quarterback at 3rd overall, they passed up a fortune to stay and take Akili Smith.

Akili Smith is the biggest Bengals bust imo and here's why: The Bengals rejected a trade offer from the Saints for their entire 1999 draft, first round picks in 2000 & 2001 and a 2nd in 2002. All because they wanted Akili Smith. Smith had 5 career touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/U1FInFTOqi

— Bengalscentre (@benga1scentre) October 14, 2022

That haul of draft picks offered in a trade is nearly unheard of. Who knows who those premium picks could have turned out to be. The Bengals new face of the franchise lasted just four seasons in the NFL, all four painful years with the Bengals. Smith’s whopping six career touchdowns and 13 interceptions solidified himself as one of the biggest draft day blunders in NFL history.

The bad decisions didn’t stop there. The second ever pick under Duke Tobin appeared in only one career game. The first two picks in under the new regime went straight down the garbage disposal.

The rest of the draft class didn’t amount to much of anything. The longest lasting member, Nose Tackle Kelly Gregg, played in the league for 11 seasons but none with the Bengals. The rest of the ’99 class was out of the league by 2005.

2001

• Round 1 Pick 4: Justin Smith, DE 2001-2014
• Round 2 Pick 36: Chad Johnson, WR 2001-2011
• Round 3 Pick 66: Sean Brewer, TE 2001-2003
• Round 4 Pick 100: Rudi Johnson, RB 2001-2008
• Round 5 Pick 135: Victor Leyva, G 2001-2002
• Round 6 Pick 168: Riall Johnson, LB 2001-2003
• Round 7 Pick 204: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR 2001-2011

The Bengals nailed Tobin’s third draft class after a dreadful two-year start. Cincinnati selected seven-year cornerstone Justin Smith 4th overall, who went onto five pro bowls and an all-pro selection in San Francisco after totaling 43.5 sacks in Cincinnati. But it was their next pick where a legend was born.

Franchise leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson was drafted in the 2nd round and later paired with college teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the same draft. The pair combined for seven pro bowls, two all-pros, and 111 touchdowns. The Bengals formed one of the NFL’s premier wide receiver duos for eight seasons.

Cincinnati wasn’t done adding to their offensive arsenal. Spending a 4th round pick on running back Rudi Johnson, their fourth pro bowler from this class! The best stretch of Rudi Johnson’s career saw two 1,400-yard seasons and a 1,300 yard season from 2004-2006, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns in all three years.

Johnson rounded out the strongest Bengals draft class in 15 years that propelled Cincinnati out of their decade-long basement.

2005

• Round 1 Pick 17: David Pollack, OLB 2005-2006
• Round 2 Pick 48: Odell Thurman, LB 2005-2005
• Round 3 Pick 83: Chris Henry, WR 2005-2009
• Round 4 Pick 119: Eric Ghiaciuc, C 2005-2008
• Round 5 Pick 153: Adam Kieft, OT 2005-2005
• Round 6 Pick 190: Tab Perry, WR 2005-2007
• Round 7 Pick 233: Jonathan Fanene, DE 2005-2011

The 2005 class had so much promise and potential that was ultimately never realized. Which looking bad, was truly poetic of the 2005 Bengals season. Cincinnati had finally it back to the playoffs for the first time since 1990. And then Carson Palmer tore his ACL and the Bengals playoff run crashed and burned just as quickly as it started, all too similar to their draft class that preceded the season.

The Bengals endured tragedy/bad breaks during Carson Palmer’s tenure:

– Heartbreaking death of Chris Henry
– Odell Thurman’s inability to get sober
– David Pollack’s broken neck
– Carson‘s blown out knee

None were the #Bengals’ fault or showed lack of commitment to a Super Bowl

— Kevin (@KevinMcCune) January 31, 2020

First rounder David Pollack was a highly touted prospect out of Georgia. The two-time All-American and SEC defensive player of the year (2002, 2004) stated to blossom into a contributor on defense. Unfortunately, in week two of his second season, Pollack suffered a neck injury which caused him to miss the 2006 and 2007 seasons before retiring in 2008. Sometimes life in the NFL just isn’t fair.

Fellow rookie linebacker Odell Thurman burst onto the scene in Cincinnati with five interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 105 tackles. Thurman finished third in defensive rookie of the year voting and then never played again. Thurman fell out of the league after numerous suspensions for off-field issues.

The Bengals may have actually hit on these picks’ talent wise. But as fate would have it, injuries and suspensions forced the talented linebacker pair off the field. The Bengals had to look to address the position again in the upcoming drafts, only leading to more draft busts.

The Bengals 2005 draft class was hit hard again in 2009. 3rd round pick Chris Henry sadly passed away mid-season during his fifth year in the league.

In an almost flukey fashion, the Bengals’ first three picks from the ’05 class turned out to be missed picks, all not because of their play on the field.

2006

• Round 1 Pick 24: Jonathan Joseph, CB 2006-2020
• Round 2 Pick 56: Andrew Whitworth, OT 2006-2021
• Round 3 Pick 91: Frostee Rucker, DE 2006-2018
• Round 4 Pick 123: Domata Peko, DT 2006-2020
• Round 5 Pick 157: A.J. Nicholson, LB 2006-2006
• Round 6 Pick 193: Reggie McNeal, QB 2006-2006
• Round 7 Pick 209: Ethan Kilmer, WR 2006-2006
• Round 7 Pick 231: Bennie Brazell, WR 2006-2006

The 2006 draft class for the Bengals was indicative of how their season would unfold. Starting 8-5 only to lose their last three games and missing the playoffs. Similarly, the Bengals draft class started out strong before completely bottoming out at the end.

Unlike the regular season, the NFL draft is about how you start than finish. You’d rather hit on your early picks than your last. And that’s exactly what the Bengals did.

Taking two pro bowlers in the first two rounds in Jonathan Jospeh and Andrew Whitworth proved to be home runs. The former secured 14 interceptions and 76 pass deflections in just five seasons in Cincinnati, as well as finishing as a defensive rookie of the year finalist. Whitworth, who followed right behind Joseph in the draft would be the Bengals best left tackle in team history if it wasn’t for hall of famer Anthony Munoz. Spending 11 seasons in Cincinnati, Whitworth turned in three pro bowls and two all-pro selections.

The Bengals didn’t miss with their next two picks either, Rucker and Peko proved to be solid value for where they were drafted. Especially Peko, who spent 11 years with the team, forming a fierce defensive line that was a key in their 2010’s playoff teams.

2010

• Round 1 Pick 21: Germaine Gresham, TE 2010-2018
• Round 2 Pick 54: Carlos Dunlap, DE 2010-2022
• Round Pick 84: Jordan Shipley, WR 2010-2012
• Round 3 Pick 96: Brandon Ghee, DB 2010-2014
• Round 4 Pick 120: Geno Atkins, DT 2010-2020
• Round 4 Pick 131: Rodrick Muckleroy, LB 2010-2012
• Round 5 Pick 152: Otis Hudson, OT 2010-2010
• Round 6 Pick 191: Dezmon Briscoe, WR 2010-2012
• Round 7 Pick 228: Reggie Stephens, C 2010-2010

The 2010 class wasn’t as filled out as some of their other classes. However, the Bengals accomplished a rare feat by drafting two franchise legends in one class. 2nd rounder Carlos Dunlap is the Bengals official all-time sack leader (82.5) and 4th rounder Geno Atkins in 2nd, officially, with 75.5 sacks. Each spent 11 seasons in Cincinnati combing for 10 pro bowls.

2011

• Round 1 Pick 4: A.J. Green, WR 2011-2022
• Round 2 Pick 36: Andy Dalton, 2011-Current
• Round 3 Pick 66: Dontay Moch, LB 2011-2014
• Round 4 Pick 101: Clint Boling, G 2011-2018
• Round 5 Pick 134: Robert Sands, DB 2011-2011
• Round 6 Pick 167: Ryan Whalen, WR 2011-2013
• Round 7 Pick 207: Korey Lindsey, DB 2011-2011
• Round 7 Pick 246: Jay Finley, RB 2011-2011

The Bengals 2011 class ignited a new era in Cincinnati. Say goodbye to Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco and hello to Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. One of the best picks in franchise history, Green is 2nd in the Bengals all-time receiving ranks in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Bening able to hit on our QB-WR tandem in one class is remarkable and propelled them to five straight playoff appearances. With the success of rookie Andy Dalton, the Bengals finally agreed to trade Carson Palmer. Cincinnati netted an extra first round pick from Oakland for 2012. The 2001 class elevated the team from bottom feeders to a middle of the pack team for years. The 2011 class brought them from mediocrity to playoff contenders tear in and year out.

2012

• Round 1 Pick 17: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB 2012-2021
• Round 1 Pick 27: Kevin Zeitler, G 2012-Current
• Round 2 Pick 53: Devon Still, DT 2012-2016
• Round 3 Pick 83: Mohamed Sanu, WR 2012-2021
• Round 3 Pick 93: Brandon Thompson, DT 2012-2015
• Round 4 Pick 116: Orson Charles, TE 2012-2018
• Round 5 Pick 156: Shaun Prater DB 2012-2015
• Round 5 Pick 166: Marvin Jones, WR 2012-2023
• Round 5 Pick 167: George Iloka, S 2012-2020
• Round 6 Pick 191: Dan Herron, RB 2012-2015

Despite having multiple first round picks for the first time under Duke Tobin, this class was defined by their late round finds. Cincinnati found hidden gems in 3rd round Wide Receiver Mohamed Sanu, and 5th rounds Marvin Jones and George Iloka. Sanu and Jones went on to earn big second contracts in free agency after successful starts to their career in the queen city. During their tenure the Bengals offense’s ranked: 12th, 6th, 15th, and 7th in points scored.

Iloka is a 5th round success story, having started 76 games in six seasons and earning a second contract with the team. Iloka was a big part in the Bengals defense finishing inside the top 10 in points allowed in four out of six seasons.

2015

• Round 1 Pick 21: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT 2015-2022
• Round 2 Pick 53: Jake Fisher, OT 2015-2018
• Round 3 Pick 85: Tyler Kroft, TE 2015-Current
• Round 3 Pick 99: Paul Dawson, LB 2015-2017
• Round 4 Pick 120: Josh Shaw, CB 2015-2018
• Round 4 Pick 135: Marcus Hardison, DE 2015-2015
• Round 5 Pick 157: C.J. Uzomah, TE 2015-Current
• Round 6 Pick 197: Derron Smith, S 2015-2017
• Round 7 Pick 238: Mario Alford, WR 2015-2016

If your best pick is a 5th round tight end with 1,881 career receiving yards in nine seasons, you had a bad, bad draft. C.J. Uzomah was by far the Bengals best selection, and the only positive draft pick from 2015. Still, Uzomah’s best season as a pro is only 493 yards and five touchdowns.

The Bengals worst pick is 1st round tackle Cedric Ogbuehi at 21st overall. The Bengals confidence in Ogbuehi helped them move on from franchise left tackle Andrew Whitworth the next year. As we all know, that turned out to be one of the worst decisions in franchise history.

2020

• Round 1 Pick 1: Joe Burrow, QB 2020-Current
• Round 2 Pick 33: Tee Higgins, WR 2020-Current
• Round 3 Pick 65: Logan Wilson, LB 2020-Current
• Round 4 Pick 107: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB 2020-Current
• Round 5 Pick 147: Khalid Kareem, DE 2020-Current
• Round 6 Pick 180: Hakeem Adeniji, OT 2020-Current
• Round 7 Pick 215: Markus Bailey, LB 2020-Current

Perhaps the Bengals best pick of all time, Joe Burrow has proven why he was the first pick of the draft. One Super Bowl appearance, another AFC Championship appearance, and the richest contract in NFL history speak against the notion that Burrow should refuse a move to Cincy ahead of the draft.

Cincinnati found one of the top receivers in the draft in Tee Higgins at 33rd overall and an emerging star linebacker in Logan Wilson in the 3rd round. The value here is through the roof.

The rest of their draft was filled out with solid role players, Adeniji being the only complete miss in their whole draft class.

Duke Tobin put together impressive classes that took the Bengal to new heights. The 2001 class brought them out of the basement, and 2011 brought them into relevance, and the 2020 class brought them to the top. Cincinnati now faces a pivotal 2024 draft class. One in which could keep them afloat in the Super Bowl chase. With a looming Ja’Marr Chase extension and Joe Burrow’s contract about to take effect, Cincinnati can no longer afford to buy their way to wins. Tobin will have to rely on his scouting department to find the future of this franchise.