ESPN's Matt Miller Names Four Bengals Among Favorite 2023 NFL Draft Picks

Cincinnati had half of its draft class make the list.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
May 11, 2023 2:06 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Matt Miller released his top 100 favorite picks from the 2023 NFL Draft and four new Bengals landed on the list in cornerback DJ Turner, wide receiver Charlie Jones, running back Chase Brown, and safety Jordan Battle.

Jones checked in at No. 36.

"This pick got me excited when it happened," Miller wrote. "The Bengals are loaded at wide receiver, but Jones has an opportunity to be the team's primary returner in 2023 while easing into a role with the wideouts. The salary cap dictates a decision will eventually have to be made about Tyler Boyd, and Jones could be the answer there."

Turner was 65th on the list.

"Did you watch the Bengals get torn up by the Chiefs' passing game in the playoffs?" Miller wrote. "The addition of a top-tier cornerback was my No. 1 need for Cincinnati this offseason. Turner checks that box with elite speed and great play at the line of scrimmage."

Brown popped up shortly after at No. 72.

"Joe Mixon turns 27 this summer and is only under contract for the 2023 and 2024 seasons," Miller wrote. "(He could potentially be a cap-saving cut at some point, too, though coach Zac Taylor says Cincy is sticking with Mixon.) And outside of him, there's no one on the roster who has stepped up as a runner. Brown will likely enter training camp as the No. 2 running back and have a huge opportunity to supplant Mixon over time. If the Bengals can find a starter in Round 5 with the rest of the offensive roster commanding top-tier salaries, that's a win."

Battle rounded things out at No. 88.

"The Bengals lost both starting safeties from the 2022 season and will lean on last year's first-rounder Dax Hill and incoming free agent Nick Scott," Miller wrote. "But Battle, a high-level producer at Alabama and trusted leader for Nick Saban, could work his way into the top three and play a vital role in nickel and dime packages."

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