USATSI

The Cincinnati Bengals were a few minutes away from winning Super Bowl LVI, but their offense sputtered after Tee Higgins' 75-yard touchdown to begin the second half. After that huge play, the Bengals accumulated 61 yards on six drives and scored just three points. The offensive line was leaky for most of the second half, and is the most clear-cut part of Cincinnati's roster that must improve for the Bengals to remain Super Bowl contenders. 

So it's back to the drawing board for Zac Taylor's team, and here's a peek ahead at the 2022 NFL Draft to get an idea as to what the Super Bowl runners-up need to do to get back to the big game next season.

Here's what you need to know about the Bengals and the 2022 NFL Draft.

2022 draft picks

  • Round 1: Pick 31
  • Round 2: Pick 63
  • Round 3: Pick 95
  • Round 4: Pick 134
  • Round 5: Pick 173
  • Round 6: Pick 208
  • Round 7: Pick 224
  • Round 7: Pick 250

Biggest offseason needs

  • Interior offensive line
  • Offensive tackle
  • Interior defensive line
  • Cornerback

Prospects to watch

Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College

Johnson was a stud up front on Chestnut Hill for the Eagles for three seasons after two years spent destroying defensive linemen at Davidson. At nearly 6-feet-3 and 314 pounds with tentacles for arms, Johnson was built to play on the interior in the NFL, and his film is an absolute bore to watch ... which is exactly what you want to put out there as an offensive line prospect. Boring film! He blocks everything with effortless power, and constantly moving feet and hands so he's rarely off balance. Johnson would be a needle-mover in this Bengals offense. 

Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette

Mitchell is a right tackle who, with some added weight that can be packed on before the regular season begins, can be a quality starter as a rookie. At nearly 6-6 and 300 pounds with arms that surpass most team's length thresholds, Mitchell is a stellar athlete with an accurate punch that helps him initially control defensive linemen. He can be a plug-and-play blocker at right tackle for the Bengals in 2022.

Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Wyatt is the first-round option for the Bengals if they either go bonkers on the offensive line in free agency, or, simply there's not a blocker they like at No. 31 overall. Interior pass rush is a low-key need for this team moving forward. D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill are very good defensive tackles. They're not consistent, high-level pass rushers. Wyatt is the highest floor defensive tackle in this class with a snappy first step and great closing speed to go along with impressive power and some pass-rushing moves to free himself into the backfield. 

Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson

Goodrich could rise up boards over the next few months, because his film is a lot of fun. But he'll likely be a Day 2 or early Day 3 type who feels like a Bengals-type corner. And what do I mean by that? Well they clearly prioritize explosive athletic traits at the position, and Goodrich's feet are light as can be. He wasn't a multiyear big-time producer at Clemson but excelled in a full-time role in 2021 and can play inside or out.