The topic of the Cincinnati Bengals drafting a running back in the 2023 NFL draft has sparked a major debate among fans.
For some, drafting a running back is a shrug-worthy idea. After all, after losing Samaje Perine, the team could always grab a veteran or mid-round rookie to pair with Joe Mixon and call it a day.
But for others, running back is something the Bengals should look at starting right in Round 1.
What we do know? Mixon’s current contract is probably too expensive going into next year, but the team has no incentive right now to move on before the draft. Perine was a big loss, but they really like Trayveon Williams. Also…Ezekiel Elliott apparently has the team as a finalist.
Anyway, here’s a sampling of the debate raging online right now.
If the Bengals went running back in the first, Jahmyr Gibbs is the best fit.
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) April 6, 2023
Bengals don’t value a running back anymore, however they were rumored to be in on Jamaal Williams. More time in the pocket for Joe is what they truly value. Trayveon is a good replacement based on in season performance and pff pass block grading.
— $Ritchie$ (@WhoDeyRitchie) April 3, 2023
ANOTHER pre-draft meeting with a running back for the #Bengals.
Don't know a whole lot about Xazavian Valladay, other than he's got really impressive breakaway speed and think he'd look better behind a quality offensive line.
Potentially a good Day 3 or UDFA target. https://t.co/GhkFgyn0h8
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) April 5, 2023
I think the Bengals value the transition process from 1 running back to the next. They don’t typically like to just move off a player with unknowns remaining. Mixon in this scheme can average 4.4 yards per carry and over 7 yards per catch. The Bengals seem comfortable with that.
— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) April 3, 2023
Actually I think in the Bengals system a running back that can’t be brought down by a LB or is elusive can do major damage in the short passing game as an option and also provide protection against pass rush happy teams like the Browns by keeping them honest.
— Jason Enzweiler (@UKATS71) April 3, 2023
The Bengals win or lose on Joe Burrow and protection for Joe Burrow, not any single RB. So yeah, RB isn't my priority.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) April 6, 2023
I am not a RB in the first round guy. Only reason I say Gibbs is because he’s an asset in the passing game. The Bengals don’t like to run the ball. Gibbs could add value with a Kamara like role.
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) April 6, 2023
Am I in the minority when I say I still believe in Chris Evans?
The Bengals will prolly draft a RB and then he'd be #4 on the depth chart.
Potentially a full-time backup slot receiver? I'm still having hope
— Der German Tiger🐅🇩🇪 (@DerGermanTiger) April 5, 2023
Joe Mixon alone prevents the bengals from having a bottom tier RB room https://t.co/zT6R3XDhdw
— Der German Tiger🐅🇩🇪 (@DerGermanTiger) April 5, 2023
With the depth of TE and RB in this year’s class, I think this is going to be a strong UDFA class. Guys with draftable grades are going to go undrafted.
Bengals could be an attractive destination.
— David M Potteiger (@David_Potteiger) April 6, 2023
Absolutely no RB in the first round. The bengals do not run the ball. pic.twitter.com/tCB2fstmpR
— Andrew (@WhoDeyDad_) April 6, 2023
While I’m not a big fan of RB at pick 28, I am however, a big fan of value. If Jahmyr Gibbs is the most value at that spot, I wouldn’t be mad if the Bengals took him 🤷🏽♂️
— Justin Lacey (@jutty_13) April 6, 2023
Might be the team's answer to the Mixon situation…
Cincinnati Bengals RB Trayveon Williams has made a lot of progress, according to head coach Zac Taylor. 'We have high hopes for him,' Taylor said.
I'd have higher hopes if they would sign Kareem Hunt.— John P. Norton (@JohnPNorton) April 1, 2023
Let’s be honest,
The only reason some @Bengals fans are bashing Joe Mixon is cause they want the Cap savingsHe’s a stud RB, unless a great one falls you roll with Mix for the SB season
— Darth DanielDubs (@danieldubs) April 2, 2023
