The Cincinnati Bengals don’t really trade up in drafts, nor do they sacrifice draft picks to make any sort of move.
But this new-look Bengals team has been breaking the usual mold consistently as this era continues.
The fickle nature of the 2023 draft class that features a so-so first-round but great mid-rounds might be a prime opportunity for the Bengals to capitalize on the teams wanting to move down.
In fact, the Bengals could end up swiping a high-end prospect they shouldn’t have any right to at No. 28 by getting creative with a trade up.
That’s what we do below in a seven-round mock, moving up for one of the premier players in the class in this trade-up edition, using the mock simulator from Pro Football Focus.
The trade
We targeted rebuilding teams that need to acquire more picks and players as spots to move up and found the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 19. We sent them Jonah Williams, the No. 28 pick and a fourth-round pick in 2024 for the No. 19 pick, jumping up nine spots in the order. It’s probably a little too kind for the Bengals, but it’s a good example of framework they could find if they really want to move up in a draft where a lot of teams will want to move down. The trade clears the logjam at right tackle and gets Williams’ cap hit off the books.
Round 1, No. 19: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
“I’m disciplined, consistent and independent.”
Will standout @ClemsonFB DE Myles Murphy go in the first round of the Draft? @BigMurphy_25
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This is why a team might want to move up. Murphy is a stunning prospect at 6’5″ and 268 pounds who had 76 pressures over the past two seasons. He’d be a stunning addition to the defensive pass-rush, with it safe to presume Lou Anarumo would get the most out of his rare skill set. The Bengals seemed to hit every need but this in free agency and Murphy solves a ton of problems while keeping the defense relevant in the offensive arms race that is the AFC.
Round 2, No. 60: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
And here’s why the Bengals can afford to take best-player-available in Round 1, even after a trade up. LaPorta is an incredible player with the ball in his hands, a legitimate seam threat and an all-around tight end. He’d push Irv Smith Jr. right away and is more dynamic in a way coaches want from the position.
Round 3, No. 92: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Bigsby spend the bulk of his time at Auburn playing behind a bad line in a not-great offense, yet scored 20 touchdowns over his last two seasons. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry, 4.16 of them coming after contact last year. He’s an every-down prospect who could help the team move on from Joe Mixon’s large salary if it wants.
Round 4, No. 131: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
A 6’2″, 200-pound corner custom-built for boundary play in the fourth round? That has Anarumo’s name written all over it. The team is fine with Chidobe Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt on the boundary right now, but depth is a concern and Jones has what it takes to be the long-term starter opposite CTB in a few years.
Round 5, No. 163: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
Statistical Scouting Report: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
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Time to think about life after Tyler Boyd with so much money about to go at Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Moreno-Cropper might be the best route-runner in the draft and is just slippery with reliable hands, making him a natural fit in that role.
Round 6, No. 206: Warren McClendon, T, Georgia
The Bengals actually met with McClendon and he’s got the resume they love — big program, proven in the locker room, a multi-year starter with two national titles. Some won’t like that this mock waits so long to add a tackle, but in this scenario, they can skate by with La’el Collins-Cody Ford.
Round 7, No. 246: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
Yes, the team might be able to wait until undrafted free agency, but why not guarantee one of the best in class to fix a problem that popped up in the playoffs?
