The Cincinnati Bengals have packed it in for the 2024 season as they fell just short of reaching the playoffs for the second straight season. All eyes now turn to the offseason, where key questions linger throughout, not the least of which includes the future of wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Part of that offseason is the always-exciting NFL draft, which this year takes place in Green Bay, WI on April 24-26. With the season over, mock drafts will be flying off the shelves. Let’s start here with a three-round mock, using the Pro Football Focus simulator.
17. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Despite having almost no help on the other side, Trey Hendrickson won the sack title with 17.5 sacks. Hendrickson desperately needs someone to help provide extra pass rush. It didn’t help that Sam Hubbard missed a lot of time with an injury and could be a cut candidate. Enter Mykel Williams, a big body with incredible athleticism but can still stand to develop as a pass-rusher. Williams had 5.5 sacks in 2024.
49. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Whether or not the Bengals re-sign Tee Higgins, they could stand to continue adding talent on offense, particularly after Jermaine Burton provided early negative returns. With Higgins, the Bengals are getting a player who caught 87 passes for almost 1,200 yards in 2024.
81. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
The injuries to Dax Hill, DJ Turner and DJ Ivey hurt this group and the jury remains out on Cam Taylor-Britt. Thomas would be an intriguing developmental prospect who could push for playing time in camp. Thomas had 53 tackles and an interception in 2024.
