The Cincinnati Bengals received positive grades across the board for the eight-pick navigation of the 2023 NFL draft.
There, the Bengals surprised some by adding multiple wide receivers and generally taking a defensive-focused slant. Two perceived areas of major need — tight end and offensive line — didn’t account for a single of the eight selections.
And the praise continues to roll in for the Bengals’ approach given the tightrope Duke Tobin and Co. needed to walk while trying to contend now and think about the future’s big money extensions.
The Athletic’s Mike Sando talked with NFL executives from around the NFL about each draft class and the Bengals came up positively each time.
“They addressed their offensive line in free agency, so now going heavily on defense in the draft makes sense,” an executive told Sando. “Time will tell if those are the right pieces, but in terms of how to put together a complimentary plan, it makes sense.”
Another executive made a point to explain that first-rounder Myles Murphy won’t have to do it all himself thanks to the strong core already in place: “Murphy doesn’t need to be the guy. You still have Trey Hendrickson. You’ve got D.J. Reader. It’s a good defense, good front. How do you get over the hump? They felt like they needed to find a way to slow the Chiefs down even more. Secondary and pass-rush help them do that.”
That’s a theme throughout the Bengals’ draft class this year, which makes sense for a contending roster not drafting for dramatic need. In particular, Tobin and the front office needed to attack the long-term defense as it continues to shift more money to the offense.
Like suggested above, it will take some time to reveal whether the specific prospects selected are the right answers. But the approach to the draft given the franchise’s current standing was a correct, strong one that rightfully continues to receive praise.
