In a very extensive project, ESPN recently listed their best NFL draft pick from each selection slot throughout the draft’s history. Ben Solak of ESPN put together the list and used a formula that combined the most talented player who had the most success along with where they were drafted, dating back to 1967 when the common draft era began.
Here’s the list of the 11 Cincinnati Bengals players who made the list along with a brief rundown of their career accolades with the franchise.
No. 55 – Andrew Whitworth – OL – 4-time Pro Bowl selection, 3-time All-Pro, Super Bowl LVI champion (Rams)
Whitworth was one of the most consistent and reliable left tackles during his time with Cincinnati, but achieved his most success when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in the later stages of his career. As a Bengal, Whitworth was named to the Pro Bowl three times and an All Pro selection twice, and had three seasons in which he allowed one sack or less (2007, 2014, and 2016).
No. 67 – Ken Anderson – QB – 1981 NFL MVP & Offensive Player Of the Year, 4-time Pro Bowl selection, 2-time All-Pro
Anderson is an absolute legend in Bengals franchise history, holding several records including career passing yards (32,838) throughout his 16 seasons. 1981 was the year of Ken Anderson, where he won the NFL MVP, Offensive Player Of the Year, Comeback Player Of the Year, and was a First-team All Pro selection. Anderson also led Cincinnati to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in franchise history in 1981.
No. 83 – Orlando Brown Jr. – OL – 4-time Pro Bowl selection, Super Bowl LVII champion (Chiefs)
Orlando Brown Jr. is not an original draft pick of the Bengals franchise, but has found success in his two previous stops with the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. A 4-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion, Cincinnati is hoping that Brown Jr. can have similar success with them as he had with his previous two teams.
No. 120 – Geno Atkins – DT – 8-time Pro Bowl selection, 5-time All-Pro, member of 2010s All-Decade team
Having spent his entire career with the Bengals, Atkins was a consistent and reliable force of production throughout his time in Cincinnati. Totaling 75.5 sacks in 11 seasons with the team, Atkins not only was a staple on the field, but was well-respected as a leader of the defense and the franchise.
No. 123 – Domata Peko – NT
Peko played 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and although he never received major career accolades, he stayed in the league for 15 seasons overall. Sharing the defensive line with Atkins during their time together in Cincinnati, the two players picked three slots between each other made their mark throughout a long career with the Bengals.
No. 135 – Ken Riley – CB – 3-time All-Pro, member of Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor
A Hall Of Fame selection who made it posthumously as a member of the class of 2022, Riley was a star for the Bengals franchise during the 1970s decade. He had 65 career interceptions and was not only named to the Hall Of Fame and Bengals Ring of Honor, but is also a member of the Bengals 40th and 50th Anniversary teams.
No. 163 – Lemar Parrish – CB – 8-time Pro Bowl selection, 5-time All-Pro
Similar to Riley, Parrish is a member of the 40th and 50th Anniversary teams and his stellar play was recognized throughout his career. Playing 13 seasons in the league with the Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Redskins, Parrish ended his career with 47 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and 13 touchdowns.
No. 168 – Max Montoya – OG – 4-time Pro Bowl selection, Second-team All-Pro
Montoya spent 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, making two Super Bowl appearances with them, and just like Parrish and Riley made the 40th and 50th Anniversary teams. Montoya, Parrish, and Riley were all key cornerstones in Bengals’ franchise history.
No. 202 – Bobby Kemp – S
Kemp played both free and strong safety during his six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also on the field for the coldest game in NFL history, the “Freezer Bowl” which was the 1981 AFC Championship game against the San Diego Chargers. Kemp finished his career with 10 interceptions.
No. 204 – T.J. Houshmandzadeh – WR – Pro Bowl selection in 2007
Playing alongside Chad Johnson (Ochocinco), Houshmandzadeh was one of the most consistent offensive weapons for the Bengals during his tenure. His best season came in 2007 when he was named to the Pro Bowl and was the NFL’s co-leader in receptions with 112, he also had 1,143 receiving yards that season along with 12 touchdowns, all of which were career highs for him.
No. 210 – Stan Walters – OL – 2-time Pro Bowl selection, All-Pro in 1979
When he was drafted with the 210th overall pick, Walters was a ninth-round selection in 1972. He would go on to play just three seasons for the Bengals before he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles where he would earn his Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Walters is also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall Of Fame.