Brian Callahan On 2023 Running Back Class: 'It's Always Gonna Be What Complements Joe Mixon'

Cincinnati holds the 28th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

CINCINNATI — Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan dove into the running back position with James Rapien and Jake Liscow on Locked On Bengals this week.

Callahan sounded confident that, as of now, the Bengals are drafting a running back to complement Joe Mixon.

"At this point it's it's always going to be what complements Mixon for us," Callahan said. "We have a runner, you know we have a first and second down style back. And so you try to find things that complement that, and that's going to be things in the passing game. 

"That's going to be the protection role that's moderately played, and it still has the ability to spell that part of the first-second down game, when needed. So you really want more of an all-around back that's a little bit leaner in the past protection and pass game quite a bit because that's where we're light in our running back room makeup at this point."

The Bengals can release Mixon this offseason and save over $10 million in cap space that can get used for star player extensions. Still, he's a valuable member of the locker room that they don't want to cut without a viable backup plan.

Mixon and Jonah Williams are two of the most interesting players on the roster as the offseason rolls into draft week.

Check out Callahan's full thoughts on Mixon at the 20:50 mark in the video below:

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Joe Mixon Makes Quick Comment Ahead of Bengals' Offseason Workouts

Zac Taylor Doesn't Comment on Communication With Jonah Williams

Bengals Double Dip Twice in Mock Draft 3.0

Identifying Bengals' Defensive Tackle Targets in 2023 NFL Draft

Orlando Brown Jr. Wants to Win Super Bowls and Wear a Gold Jacket

Irv Smith Jr. Praises Joe Burrow on First Day of Offseason Workouts

Chidobe Awuzie Shares Update on His Recovery From Torn ACL

Identifying Best Bengals Approach in First Round of 2023 NFL Draft

Look: Joe Burrow, Sam Hubbard, NFL Stars Attend UFC 287

Bengals Met With Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Tavius Robinson Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 10 Edge Rushers

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 10 Running Backs

Ted Karras Excited to Play With Orlando Brown Jr.

Report: Bengals Met With East Carolina Running Back Keaton Mitchell

Look: Tyler Boyd Makes Bold Claim About Bengals’ Offense

PFF Projects Joe Burrow's Contract Extension

Report: 'Process Is Underway' On Joe Burrow's Contract Extension

Look: LSU's Alexis Morris Pays Tribute To Joe Burrow After National Championship Win

Report: Space Opens For Bengals Permanent Indoor Practice Facility

Prospect Breakdown: Is Michael Mayer Perfect Fit For Cincinnati Bengals?

Grading The Deal: Bengals Deserve High Praise For Landing Orlando Brown Jr.

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok