What Positions Are Bengals Most Likely to Target in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft?

Let's break it down by percentage with the NFL Draft less than one month away.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (OL24) during the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI — The Bengals might've signed Trent Brown last week to help solidify their offensive line, but that doesn't mean they won't address the trenches in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

A trench pick at No. 18 is by far the most likely selection. What's the percentage chance they address the trenches? What about tight end, cornerback or wide receiver?

It's a question Joe Goodberry addressed on X. Here are my thoughts:

Offensive tackle is the clear favorite. There are plenty of potential candidates including Taliese Fuaga, JC Latham and Amarius Mims, plus is an obvious need for the Bengals. There's probably a 40% chance that they take an offensive tackle in round one.

Defensive tackle isn't far behind, but there's only two candidates that the Bengals would realistically target in round one: Byron Murphy and Johnny Newton. The chances they take a defensive tackle in the first round are at roughly 20%.

Cornerback is the next highest because there are also two prospects the Bengals could realistically target: Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold. Both guys could be long gone, but there's a chance one of them makes it to No. 18. Let's put their chances of taking a cornerback at 15%.

Tight end is next on the list at 10%. There's only one prospect that will be considered, but if Brock Bowers makes to the Bengals, it's hard to envision a scenario where they pass on him.

Interior offensive line, wide receiver and defensive end are all at 5%. Troy Fautanu, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, Brian Thomas Jr., Laiatu Latu and Jared Verse are all potential targets.

Defensive end is the most interesting of the three because Latu and Verse are high-end prospects. Would the Bengals address that position with their first round pick in back-to-back drafts? Is it worth taking Latu over Murphy if he's only a spot or two higher on their board? The same question applies to Verse and Newton.

It could happen, but it doesn't seem likely, especially because they believe Myles Murphy will take a big step forward in year two.

Complete Breakdown of Bengals First Round Targets by Percentages:

Offensive Tackle: 40%

Defensive Tackle: 20%

Cornerback: 15%

Tight End: 10%

Guard/Center: 5%

Wide Receiver: 5%

Defensive End: 5%

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

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Bengals' Rival Still Hoping to Sign Tyler Boyd

Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson Wants Cincinnati Bengals to Sign Odell Beckham Jr.

Report: Bengals 'Willing to Listen' to Trade Offers for Tee Higgins

Report: Kristian Fulton Turned Down Bengals’ Offer in Free Agency

Former Bengals Safety Nick Scott Agrees to Deal With Panthers

Bengals Free Agency: Three Thoughts on Trent Brown, Joe Burrow and Their Plans in the 2024 NFL Draft

Sports Illustrated Names Stephon Gilmore as One Free Agent Bengals Should Sign

Look: Joe Burrow, Sam Hubbard Attend UFC 299

Chiefs Signing Star Defensive Tackle Chris Jones to Mega-Extension

Look: Top NFL Free Agents, Including Potential Bengals Targets Ranked in One Place

Bengals Running Back Watch: What Prospects Make Sense in 2024 NFL Draft?

Best Mock Drafter Over Past Five Years Sticks Cincinnati With Popular Name in First Round

A Tee Higgins Trade That the Bengals Would Realistically Consider

-----

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

Join the 43,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.