The Cincinnati Bengals finally drafted an offensive player in the 2023 NFL draft, selecting Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones in the fourth round.
This was one of the most predictable moves of the draft for the Bengals — adding a slot wideout prospect one year ahead of Tyler Boyd’s contract expiring. On paper, the Bengals will use the big cash on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, meaning the slot spot needs to be cheaper.
And Jones might just have future starter written all over him. At 5’11” and 175 pounds with wicked speed, Jones both inhales everything thrown his way and is a serious threat. Last year he put up 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns on 110 catches.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein describes a player who fits the slot need well:
Exceptionally productive in his season at Purdue after transferring from Iowa, Jones will have trouble shedding tight, press-man coverage due to his lack of suddenness and blow-by speed. He possesses above average ball skills and has a feel for positioning and focus that creates a solid win rate on his contested catches. He can play zone-beater all day long and has the route savvy to keep improving his short-area separation. Jones is unlikely to work the deepest portions of the field but might find work in a possession-based passing game as a Day 3 draft pick.
It’s worth pointing out this unexpected stat, too:
Most contested catches in College Football last season:
👀 Charlie Jones – 22 pic.twitter.com/ln0tmZlQzv
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 15, 2023
This isn’t to say Jones is a slam-dunk pick. Local fans probably wanted Bearcats star Tyler Scott in the Boyd-replacement role. And there were some interesting running backs and tight ends on the board at the time of the pick.
But the Bengals happen to be very good at scouting and developing wideouts and coach Troy Walters gets his guy here. Addressing the long-term need at a pretty good value only helps the depth of the offense and future outlook, so it’s a nice pick for a team drafting with the idea of keeping the championship window open as long as possible.
