Drew Sample NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report For Cincinnati Bengals
The Sample Enigma: Unpacking the 2019 Bengals Draft Decision on Drew Sample The 2019 NFL Draft remains a source of intense debate among Cincinnati Bengals fans, particularly the selection of Drew Sample, a tight end from Washington, in the second round (No.
52 overall).
While the Bengals desperately needed offensive weapons to support Andy Dalton, Sample’s selection, ahead of seemingly more impactful offensive players, sparked immediate controversy.
This investigation delves into the complexities surrounding Sample’s drafting, examining the scouting reports, the Bengals' pre-draft strategy, and the ultimate implications of this controversial pick.
Thesis: The Cincinnati Bengals' selection of Drew Sample in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft reveals a flawed scouting process, prioritizing perceived positional value and blocking ability over demonstrable receiving talent and overall impact, a decision ultimately detrimental to the team's offensive development in the short and medium term.
Sample's pre-draft profile painted a picture of a capable blocker with decent receiving potential.
Scouting reports frequently highlighted his size (6'3, 257 lbs), athleticism for his size, and strong hands.
However, a closer examination reveals significant weaknesses.
While he displayed occasional flashes of receiving ability in college, his production was inconsistent, hampered by limited route running and a tendency to drop crucial passes.
Many analysts, like those at Pro Football Focus (PFF), graded him lower than his draft position suggested, emphasizing his blocking prowess but questioning his ability to consistently contribute as a pass-catcher, a crucial element in a modern NFL offense.
The Bengals' justification for the pick hinged on the perceived value of the position.
The narrative suggested that a reliable blocking tight end was a critical missing piece in their offensive line, crucial for protecting Dalton and opening running lanes.
This argument, however, ignores the availability of comparable blocking tight ends in later rounds, and fails to account for the team's more pressing need for playmakers at receiver or even potentially a more dynamic pass-catching tight end.
The selection of Sample at No.
52 could be interpreted as prioritizing need at a less critical offensive position over best player available, a questionable strategy, especially given the long-term limitations of Sample's receiving skills.
Furthermore, the Bengals' pre-draft process itself warrants scrutiny.
Did the team adequately account for the limitations of their analytic models? Did they overemphasize certain traits (blocking) while neglecting others (receiving, route running, separation)? Were alternative data sources, such as advanced statistical metrics beyond traditional scouting reports, considered? The lack of transparency surrounding the Bengals' drafting process in 2019 makes it difficult to fully evaluate their decision-making, raising questions about their overall scouting efficiency and methodology.
This decision is further complicated by the contrasting perspectives offered by draft analysts.
Some, swayed by Sample’s measurables and perceived potential, defended the pick, highlighting the importance of a complete tight end in the modern NFL.
Others, including ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.
and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, voiced skepticism, arguing that the Bengals reached for Sample and could have found similar value later in the draft.
This divergence in opinion underscores the inherent subjectivity within the scouting process and highlights the risks associated with prioritizing perceived need over demonstrably superior talent.
The long-term implications of the Sample selection are evident in his performance with the Bengals.
While he consistently played a role as a blocking tight end, his receiving contributions remained inconsistent.
His production failed to significantly impact the Bengals' offensive output, and he was eventually released after three seasons, underscoring the questionable return on investment for a second-round pick.
This contrasts sharply with other players selected around the same point in the draft, who have demonstrably exceeded expectations in various offensive roles.
In conclusion, the 2019 selection of Drew Sample by the Cincinnati Bengals represents a complex case study in NFL draft evaluation.
While the team's stated rationale of prioritizing a blocking tight end is understandable, the execution was flawed.
The selection of Sample at No.
52 suggests a flawed scouting process, potentially influenced by overemphasizing certain traits and undervaluing demonstrably superior talent at other positions.
The ultimate result a limited impact player drafted too high highlights the risks of prioritizing positional need and subjective analysis over objective data and holistic player evaluation.
The Sample pick serves as a cautionary tale, reminding NFL franchises of the need for continuous refinement of scouting methodologies and a commitment to selecting the best available player regardless of position.
The lack of transparency surrounding the Bengals' decision-making only further exacerbates the concerns surrounding this controversial draft choice.