Cincinnati Bengals sign five of their 2024 NFL Draft picks to rookie contracts
On top of signing their 14-player college free agent class, the Cincinnati Bengals today signed five of their 10 selections from the 2024 NFL Draft: DT McKinnley JacksonCB Josh NewtonTE Tanner McLachlanS Daijahn AnthonyC Matt Lee Jackson is the lone top-100 pick of the five as he was drafted 97th overall in the third round […]
On top of signing their 14-player college free agent class, the Cincinnati Bengals today signed five of their 10 selections from the 2024 NFL Draft:
- DT McKinnley Jackson
- CB Josh Newton
- TE Tanner McLachlan
- S Daijahn Anthony
- C Matt Lee
Jackson is the lone top-100 pick of the five as he was drafted 97th overall in the third round out of Texas A&M, where he was a two-time team captain. At 6-2 and 326 pounds, Jackson's projected to play nose tackle on the Bengals' defensive line.
Newton was the team's fifth-round pick (149th overall) out of TCU. He was an integral part of the Horned Frogs' run to the College Football Playoff in 2022, which was his first year with the program after spending his four college years at Louisiana Monroe. Newton is projected to battle for positioning in the Bengals' cornerback room.
McLachlan is one of two tight ends the Bengals drafted this year. He was the 194th overall pick in the sixth round following two seasons at Arizona, where he broke Rob Gronkowski's Wildcats record for career receptions as a tight end. He previously played three seasons at Southern Utah. He'll compete for a roster spot in the Bengals' crowded tight end room.
Anthony was one of two seventh-round picks for the Bengals. The 224th overall selection finished his long college career at Ole Miss in 2023, but was previously at Shepard (2018-19) and Liberty (2021-22). Anthony has experience at multiple positions in the secondary, and the Bengals are listing him as a safety. He'll compete for a roster spot there.
Lee was Cincinnati's second seventh-round pick at 237th overall. He was a three-year starter at Central Florida before finishing his college career at Miami (FL). He walks into a Bengals offensive line room in need of a backup center, and that's how he can easily win a roster spot.
Bengals get closer to 90-player roster limit after officially signing 14 college free agents
The newest Bengals rookies are officially a part of the roster.
