The Cincinnati Bengals approach this week’s scouting combine with a variety of roster holes to address this offseason.
Some of that will occur in free agency, where the Bengals have a big list of names headed to the market and are likely to sign outside players, too.
Whatever happens in free agency will have a massive impact on how the Bengals approach the 2023 NFL draft. In the background, the organization will also juggle major items like Joe Burrow’s extension, too.
But for now, let’s run through a seven-round mock projection trying to hit a nice blend of value and need for the Bengals while using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft machine.
Round 1, No. 28: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
It was tough to pass up on guys like cornerback Deonte Banks, but Harrison is a 6’5″, 315-pound mauler whose steady improvement as a pass-blocker last year is a nice bonus. The Bengals need somebody to develop for the long-term at right tackle — if not step in and play right away if La’el Collins isn’t ready.
Round 2, No. 60: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
The Bengals love versatility. They also need another rush man inside next to DJ Reader. Brooks can play at 3-tech or on the edge and looks pro-ready after piling up 20 sacks over the last two seasons. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a bit of local guy they will have lots of face time with this summer.
Round 3, No. 92: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Bigsby seems undervalued in this process after playing in a bad offense behind not-great blocking — yet he still put up 20 rushing scores over his last two seasons. He’s got bell-cow potential as a runner and might have enough to step right in and be the starting back if Joe Mixon isn’t back.
Round 4, No. 131: Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn
Another Auburn product who had to deal with multiple head coaches and inconsistency, Wooden is a huge-upside defensive lineman who played on the edge and inside, grabbing 13 sacks over his last two seasons. The 6’5″, 284-pound defender is another guy coaches could move all over the place while luring out some of that big upside as a pass-rusher.
Round 5, No. 165: Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
The Bengals have a nice trio with Chidobe Awuzie, Cam Taylor-Britt and Mike Hilton. But depth is a serious issue and Awuzie continues to rehab. Bennett has a lot of fun upside traits that could see him serve as quality depth, if not start reliably in a pinch.
Round 6, No. 206: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
The Bengals need to draft a year in advance while anticipating losses and Bell might be able to help in the event 2023 is the last of Tyler Boyd. Bell has sticky hands and gets nasty as a run blocker, which will give him a serious shot to make an impact on special teams while developing.
Round 7, No. 248: Trey Dean III, S, Florida
Back to the versatility theme — Dean moved from corner to safety and has the speed of the former but the size of the latter. This is presuming Vonn Bell is back next to Dax Hill next year — Dean and Tycen Anderson as developmental backups is about as fun as it gets.
