The Cincinnati Bengals used their pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft to take an offensive weapon for Joe Burrow with Purdue wideout Charlie Jones.
Jones, a very fast prospect who caught 110 passes last year and constantly made contested catches, is a slot player who projects to potentially replace Tyler Boyd over the long term.
Bengals fans had been wanting to see the team use draft picks on offensive players for two days, so the pick was a pretty welcome one. It wasn’t nearly as polarizing, either, as everyone seems to understand the need to draft for the future at wideout.
Here’s a look at some of the best reactions to the move.
The #Bengals get their first offensive player of the draft in Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones. He's 5-11, 175 and an heir apparent to Tyler Boyd in the slot. Jones had 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 catches last year.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 29, 2023
Jones would be a potential slot of the future if he can develop. Will fill in behind Tyler Boyd right now and see where things sit next year with Boyd's contract up after 2023.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 29, 2023
Jones led college football in receptions last year. He's a former walk on who's speed opened doors for him.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 29, 2023
Bengals fans, do not sleep on Charlie Jones, he’s got real speed and returning experience
Had 1300yds and 12 TDs last season
Could be a guy in the later rounds https://t.co/CUPPfQfB0m
— Draft Guy Jared (@DraftGuyJared) February 16, 2023
Charlie Jones is my WR19. Fast and explosive. Good slot WR who can catch passes in stride. Nice juke and spin move. Crisp route runner who gets open with quickness. Older prospect as a late breakout. Small and beat up against weaker corners. Not very physical. Won’t make…
— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) April 29, 2023
Ooh Charlie Jones. I like it!
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) April 29, 2023
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) April 29, 2023
The Bengals have one of the smartest QBs in the NFL. They drafted an insanely smart WR who knows how to get open and has speed. Burrow could make plays with Irwin and Taylor. Imagine what Burrow can do when getting a bad DB on Charlie Jones.
— DarthNoobSaibot (@DarthNoobSaibot) April 29, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE CHARLIE JONES PICK!
That man is going to THRIVE in the slot with Joe Burrow!
Great, great, great route runner with awesome speed. pic.twitter.com/7rT8zqfGPN
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) April 29, 2023
Charlie Jones…he's your TB replacement. Slot guy, good production in '22, above average athlete, fantastic hands, crispy route runner, also plays special teams.
For a 4th round guy, this isn't bad. pic.twitter.com/meisz63REV
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) April 29, 2023
I am stunned!! The Bengals are breaking trends! Charlie Jones weighs a lot less than the average receiver the Bengals usually go for but he offers so much to this offense with great versatility inside/out and a solid separator.
High catch% High contested catch %
I am excited… pic.twitter.com/wSMpZJMR1E
— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) April 29, 2023
