The Cincinnati Bengals, before attempting to get back to the Super Bowl, have a pretty clear-cut list of needs when thinking ahead to things like the next trip to free agency and the draft.
Offensive line help, pass-rushers and tight ends highlight those sorts of ideas right now when looking over the current roster.
That’s something Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield hit on in a new 2023 NFL mock draft while giving the Bengals Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer:
“While they brought in Hayden Hurst in free agency, the chance to add at the position is on the table next spring. Michael Mayer looks like a future NFL tight end, with the ability to handle the blocking responsibilities the position requires but also the athleticism to be a weapon in the passing game.”
Mayer, 6’4″, looks the part as a blocker and also caught seven touchdowns last year over the course of 71 catches for 840 yards (11.8 per).
The Bengals lost C.J. Uzomah in free agency and hope one-year signee Hayden Hurst can help make up the loss. If so, they might look at bringing back the former first-rounder instead of using a 2023 pick on the position, but as a team in the luxury zone right now, they can pretty much go best player available all over the board.
That could very well be Mayer, which would only boost an impressive offense.
