The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the hardest teams to project in the 2023 NFL draft.
Those Bengals enter the fray with no major needs and can take a best-player-available approach. Conventional wisdom says they will attack offensive tackle, cornerback or pass-rusher in Round 1, with tight end and even running back possibilities, though those are non-premium positions that early.
As such, a big board prioritizes those positions, emphasizing the premium spots the Bengals historically tend to like (with a rare exception for a certain running back).
For the purposes of our big board this year, we will omit 15-20 prospects who either won’t be there for the team at No. 28 or simply wouldn’t interest them. So there won’t be a QB C.J. Stroud or LB Will Anderson or CB Christian Gonzalez, for obvious reasons.
These are the top 15 prospects who could be available to the Bengals at No 28, ordered by how we’d prioritize them if they were all on the board.
1. DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
The Bengals are more than familiar with a “small” defensive tackle who has elite pressure numbers rushing the passer and should similarly rush to the board if Kancey is there. It’s a small chance at a Geno Atkins 2.0.
2. RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
We can have the running back debate all day. But Robinson is one of the best to come out in years and the way he’d upgrade the offense makes him worth the risk.
3. CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Fun Joey Porter things aside, Jr.’s mocks have been all over the place. He’s a very talented press guy who would do well in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
4. OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Hard to say what happens with the OTs, so let’s list Jones, a possible plug-and-play starter.
5. OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Wright has a similar instant-helping ability and is worth the long-term investment even if La’el Collins is ready to go for Week 1.
6. CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Forbes has the physical profile to fit in the defense and 14 picks, a bit of production the team will love.
7. EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy looks like he was born to play in Anarumo’s scheme and he’s a fantastic pass-rusher who would upgrade the depth.
8. EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
Smith is a bit lighter than the Bengals might prefer, but he’d be a fun chess piece for Anarumo.
9. TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Arguably the best all-around tight end in the class would be a safe route to take.
10. DB Brian Branch, Alabama
Branch doesn’t have a red flag to his name, other than the Bengals feel they’re set at safety. He still might be BPA.
11. TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Kincaid is a dynamic weapon for the spot but the back issues make him an iffy projection.
12. TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Many are split on Washington, but his size alone is worth the investment as a dynamic player.
13. DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bresee might need a year to make it all click, but he’d be a strong rotational piece inside with huge upside.
14. OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
Similarly, Harrison might need time but is ideal depth with the upside of a long-term starter.
15. DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Adebawore is one of the best athletes in the draft who seems like he has plenty of ceiling to reach for, especially in the right system.
