The Cincinnati Bengals desperately need help on defense. This is a team that hasn't made the playoffs for three straight seasons and can't quite find a pulse on the defense. One of the ways they seek to fix the holes is by drafting Washington's defensive back Tacario Davis. He's a freakish athlete who could immediately compete for a starting spot on the defense, even as a third-round pick.
Yet, because he's not exactly a proven player and is young by NFL draft standards (still 21 years old until August). He's already being labeled a "boom or bust" draft pick. StripeHype.com said this, "This prospect is long, rangy, fast, and explosive. He's got athletic traits you obviously can't teach, but one of the payoffs that come with this is more of a 'boom or bust' nature."
Bengals draft Washington CB Tacario Davis at No. 72
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) April 25, 2026
Full scouting report HERE: https://t.co/79ULULTqKo
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Bengals select Tacario Davis to compete for a starting defensive back spot as a rookie
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Davis isn't a ballhawk and often won't record stats on the sheet. However, he can play lockdown corner and keep the ball from even being thrown to his side of the field. He spent his first three seasons at Arizona and was one of the top cornerbacks for the Wildcats all three seasons. He followed Jedd Fisch (a year later) to Washington to finish out his career.
He's a naturally disruptive player in man-coverage, but can often get exposed in zone or if he has to play catch-up after he lets a player beat him. Davis' length and athleticism can often make up for the deficits, but he will need to take a big jump as a rookie to help the Bengals immediately.
This is exactly why Bengals writers are calling him a 'boom or bust' player. It's actually fair. Though it's hard to see him ever fully busting because of the immeasurables and raw athleticism. Unless he doesn't put in the work at all, he can really become at worst a decent cover corner in the league.
The Bengals took a risk, but it's going to pay off as Davis will find his way to prove his worth in Cincinnati and reward their decision to make him a third-round selection.
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