Four Bengals-Centric Thoughts Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati has seven selections, including the 28th overall pick

CINCINNATI — Draft day is finally here and the Bengals are hoping to add quality players that can help them get over the hump this season.

When will they address tight end? Is it defense or bust in round one? Is a trade back likely?

Here are my pre-draft thoughts on the 28th pick, the Bengals' draft board and more:

Defense Still the Favorite at 28

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I had one thought in my mind while walking out of the Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis at the 2023 NFL Combine: Defense, defense, defense. 

It felt like the Bengals were going to take a defensive player with the 28th overall pick then and it certainly feels that way today. 

If Emmanuel Forbes is available, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will probably do the "griddy" on his way to the news conference room at Paycor Stadium. 

The Mississippi State product is high on the Bengals' board. He has the length, height. ball skills and mentality that they're looking for in the secondary. He'd be a great fit, but it doesn't sound like he's going to be available when the Bengals pick. 

Pencil in any of the top cornerbacks here, including Deonte Banks, Joey Porter Jr. and maybe even Cam Smith. 

Defensive line is also interesting. A possible fall for Calijah Kancey makes him a contender at 28. Clemson stars Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy could also be there.

Offensive Weapons

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While defense is the favorite in the first round, it's far from guaranteed. 

The Bengals could come out of day one of the draft with a top weapon. Many Cincinnatians have had their eyes on Notre Dame's Michael Mayer, but he seems like a long shot to be there at 28. 

There's also reason to believe the Bengals would take Utah's Dalton Kincaid over Mayer if both were available. 

What about Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs? We have the Bengals taking the 21-year-old in our final mock draft. 

Gibbs could be as high as third on the Bengals' board of offensive weapons, behind Texas star Bijan Robinson and Kincaid. A wide receiver in round one is unlikely and guys like Mayer and Darnell Washington may be below Gibbs on their board. 

The Bengals did meet with Mayer, Washington, Gibbs and Kincaid at the NFL Combine, so there's at least some interest in all four players. 

Sweet Spot for Tight End

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If the Bengals don't land a tight end in the first two rounds of the draft, they may be better off waiting to take one until Saturday. 

Guys like Luke Schoonmaker and Brenton Strange are projected to go in round three. 

Wouldn't Zack Kuntz or Josh Whyle offer more value in round four? Even Will Mallory in round five could make more sense. 

The Bengals might be better off waiting on a tight end if miss out on one of the big six: Mayer, Kincaid, Washington, Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta. 

All six guys could be gone by the time Cincinnati is on the clock in round two, but if one of them makes it that far, the Bengals would certainly have to consider taking a tight end with pick 60. 

Other Thoughts

Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones had a poor pre-draft process and if he somehow falls to the Bengals in round two, they may jump at the 6-8, 374-pound right tackle. It doesn't sound like he's getting first round consideration from any team at the moment. 

Cornerback, defensive line, running back and even tight end are potential double dip positions in this draft. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Bengals stick to their board and address the same position twice. 

If you want something to cheer for in round one before Cincinnati is on the clock, root for as many quarterbacks and wide receivers to get taken as possible. 

They aren't taking a quarterback in round one and wide receiver is almost as unlikely. 

Trading down could be an option for the Bengals, especially if there are multiple players with the similar grades left on their board. In that scenario a team would likely move up for a quarterback (Hendon Hooker, Will Levis, Anthony Richardson). 

Maybe Houston tries to move up from pick No. 33? Indianapolis at No. 35? 

Cincinnati wouldn't want to move down too far and miss out on the player or players they'd be targeting. It's an interesting dilemma if they do get trade offers near the end of round one.  

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