The greatest Bengal of all time is well respected.
When you look through the Cincinnati Bengals history, there have been so many incredible names that have suited up for the franchise.
The Bengals have seen so many great players come through the Jungle like Kenny Anderson, Boomer Esiason, Chad Ochocinco, Geno Atkins, AJ Green, and currently Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
But there is one name that reigns supreme in orange and black, and that is Anthony Munoz.
The GOAT, if you will.
Sports Illustrated writer Matt Verderame went through 60 years of football and assembled the ultimate mock draft with the greatest players to ever do it.
Anthony Munoz was selected as the best-ever player to be drafted with the third overall pick.
“Munoz hasn’t played in more than 30 years, and he remains the standard for left tackles. Drafted by Cincinnati in 1980, Munoz helped the Bengals rise from obscurity into an AFC power, reaching two Super Bowls during his career. The former USC star made 11 Pro Bowls, was a nine-time first-team All-Pro and earned a spot on the 1980s all-decade team before entering Canton on the first ballot,” Verderame wrote.
Munoz was the first selection as a former Bengals player, but it did not stop there.
Andrew Whitworth was selected 55th overall in the mock draft.
“Whitworth was a dominating force on the left side for both the Bengals and Rams over his 16-year career. After starring in Cincinnati for 11 seasons, Whitworth finished up with five excellent campaigns in Los Angeles, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI victory over his former team. He was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.”
Kenny Anderson was selected 67th overall in the mock draft by Verderame.’
“Anderson is arguably the greatest player in the modern era who hasn’t gotten into the Hall of Fame. The 1981 MVP, Anderson starred in Cincinnati over 16 seasons, going to the Pro Bowl four times. All told, the third-round pick threw for 32,838 yards and 197 touchdowns, helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl XVI.”
Geno Atkins was selected 120th overall, Domata Peko was selected 123rd overall, Ken Riley was selected 135th overall, Lemar Parrish was selected 163rd overall, Max Montoya was selected 168th overall, Doug Pelfrey was selected 202nd overall, and finally, Stan Walters was selected 210th overall.
Good to see these Bengals getting some well-earned praise.
