Top 5 Cincinnati Bengals Draft Classes of the Last Decade

A look at the Bengals' most impactful draft hauls from 2016 to 2023

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, geometric shapes in orange, black, and white, representing the dynamic action and energy of a Cincinnati Bengals football game or player.The Bengals' recent draft classes have provided the building blocks for a talented roster capable of competing for Super Bowls.Today in Pittsburgh

The Cincinnati Bengals have had some impressive draft classes in the last 10 years, building a roster that reached the Super Bowl in 2022. This article examines the top 5 Bengals draft classes of the last decade, highlighting the key players and overall impact of each group.

Why it matters

The Bengals' recent draft success has been a major factor in the team's rise to contention, providing core players like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase. Identifying the best draft classes can help understand how the Bengals built their current roster and provide insight into the team's long-term outlook.

The details

The article breaks down the top 5 Bengals draft classes from 2016 to 2023, analyzing the key players, overall production, and long-term impact of each group. The 2020 class featuring Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins is ranked #1, while the 2021 class led by Ja'Marr Chase comes in at #2. Other notable classes include 2017 (Joe Mixon, Carl Lawson) at #3 and the promising 2023 group at #4.

  • The 2016 Bengals draft class was selected in April 2016.
  • The 2023 Bengals draft class was selected in April 2023.
  • The 2017 Bengals draft class was selected in April 2017.
  • The 2021 Bengals draft class was selected in April 2021.
  • The 2020 Bengals draft class was selected in April 2020.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback since 2020, Burrow has led the team to the Super Bowl and been selected to multiple Pro Bowls.

Tee Higgins

A second-round pick in 2020, Higgins has emerged as one of the NFL's top young wide receivers, making the Pro Bowl in 2023.

Ja'Marr Chase

The 2021 first-round selection, Chase has been a dominant playmaker for the Bengals, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods.

Joe Mixon

A second-round pick in 2017, Mixon was a productive running back for the Bengals before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2024.

Carl Lawson

A fourth-round pick in 2017, Lawson was a standout pass rusher for the Bengals before signing a free agent contract with the New York Jets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Bengals will look to continue their strong draft performance in the coming years to build on their recent Super Bowl appearance and maintain their status as an AFC contender.

The takeaway

The Bengals' ability to consistently find impactful players in the draft, particularly in the last 5-6 years, has been a major factor in the team's rise to prominence. Their recent draft classes have provided the foundation for a talented roster that can compete for championships.