2022 NFL Draft: 3 players the Bengals should target with 31st pick

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Nov 20, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey (8) tackles Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma

As previously stated, the Bengals have the luxury of choosing the best player on their board with the 31st pick in the draft. Just as there is sure to be a run on wide receivers in this draft, there is sure to be a run on defensive backs. If that happens, the Bengals could go with a defensive lineman.

Versatility is an essential characteristic in today’s NFL, and Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey has that. His ability to play both inside and outside are commodities few linemen in this draft have.

The former Oklahoma stand-out is explosive out of his stance and spent much of his career in Norman in his opponent’s backfield. The most staggering statistic of Winfrey’s career is his 40 career tackles and 16.5 of them were tackles for loss.

Winfrey’s explosion makes up for an average first step off of the snap, not to mention his incredible natural strength. He has a dangerous combination of high motor and elite athletic skills.

Winfrey would be a welcome addition to a pass rush rotation that includes Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, B.J. Hill, and Larry Ogunjobi.

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