The Cincinnati Bengals should again have a really nice set of options in front of them almost every time they walk to the podium on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft.
That was the case in each of the first three rounds, to the point the team was comfortable trading down at the end of the third round with the Kansas City Chiefs and still getting a guy they really wanted.
During the Day 3 festivities, the Bengals project to hit needs like tight end and running back at what should be really good values for those positions, though best-player-available remains the focus.
Here’s a look at some of the best players left, with a focus on areas the Bengals need help.
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Jones is in a free fall, whether it’s due to medicals, his path to the draft or something else. But at some point, taking a 6’8″, 374-pound right tackle prospect just makes sense for these Bengals.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
Adebawore was mocked to the Bengals a few times in the first round and he’d be an amazing value on Day 3. They need a deeper pass-rushing depth from the interior.
Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Don’t think the Bengals wouldn’t take another corner. Phillips is smaller (5’9″), but wickedly productive — and size hasn’t stopped Mike Hilton, has it?
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Ringo used to have first-round hype. That’s done, but we can’t pretend Lou Anarumo wouldn’t have a blast moving him all over.
Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue
We’ve constantly mocked Trice, a big-bodied boundary corner, to the Bengals. Think of him as an Eli Apple or Tre Flowers replacement.
Chandler Zavala, G, North Carolina State
Guard isn’t a bigger need than tackle, but at some point, Zavala is just too good to pass up.
Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
The Bengals need to think about life after Tyler Boyd beyond 2023 and Scott is exactly how they should do it.
Blake Freeland, OL, BYU
Line help is line help at this point, even if they want to stick with La’el Collins and Jonah Williams (or Cody Ford and Jackson Carman in some order) at right tackle.
Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
We’ve endlessly mocked Brooks to the Bengals — he’s local and a Geno Atkins-styled pass-rusher from the inside who could feast in their defense.
Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Running back being “devalued” could mean the Bengals get Johnson, a guy who broke 46 tackles on just 94 carries last season.
Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
Abanikanda is one of the youngest players in the draft and just put up 1,426 yards and 20 touchdowns on a 5.9 average last year.
DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
The most dominant back in college football, McBride ran for 3,507 yards on 484 carries (7.2 yards per carry) over the last three seasons.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
Mitchell is small (5’9″ and 184 pounds), but ran for 1,452 yards and 14 scores on a 7.2 average last year.
Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Keeping the local prospect home could help the offense in a big way.
Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
Allen is a huge target who can make plays up the seam.
