The Cincinnati Bengals project to again sit in a position of luxury in the 2023 NFL draft.
While that’s a ways away, a simple glossing-over of the team’s situation suggests there sholdn’t be any major holes, with even safety already addressed if they lose Jessie Bates thanks to the selections of Dax Hill and Tycen Anderson this year.
As such, 2023 mocks are very interesting. A two-round effort from Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling, for example, has them taking Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson at No. 22 in the second round:
“The Bengals did a solid job of reloading their biggest areas of need this offseason (offensive line, secondary), so next year’s top pick could be used on an athletic, versatile defender for the front seven. Simpson would be the perfect fit, thanks to his ability to make big plays in every phase of the game.”
After that, the Bengals grab South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell in the second round at No. 54.
While linebacker isn’t the biggest need, Simpson might be the best player available at that point and can do pretty much everything across the defense, including rush the passer (6.5 sacks last year).
Then there’s Bell, a 6’3″ target who caught five touchdowns last year on a 16.6 average to act as quality Hayden Hurst insurance.
As usual, it’s an interesting blend of best player available and need for a Bengals team that just needs to smartly reload in order to keep the contention window open as wide as possible.
