The Cincinnati Bengals were a regular in the top 10 in the power rankings until last season, but Joe Burrow entered the season with an injury and briefly recovered for about two games, but then left the team at the end of the year.
To many, the Bengals need to prove they're back for good in order to regain that spot in the power rankings.
However, according to Touchdown Wire's Jarrett Bailey's post-free agency rankings, Joe Burrow plays a big role in the Bengals ranking fourth overall.
Everyone seems to be sleeping on the Bengals. With a healthy Joe Burrow and the usual suspects running the offense, they can't be ignored. They needed veteran talent in their secondary, so they signed Geno Stone and brought back Vonn Bell. The Bengals look like a forgotten team due to quarterback injuries throughout most of the season, but if they can live up to their potential they will be one of the best teams in the league.
In today's NFL, teams with top-five passers are usually in the top 10 in actual rankings, let alone power rankings.
At this point, the Bengals need a retooled secondary to perform better than last season, and the front office needs to continue to strengthen the pass rush. Don't worry about finding an alternative to the mid-level DJ leader.
But in March's virtual power rankings? The Bengals are a team with a proven track record even before the draft.
The story originally appeared on Bengals Wire
