By now, it’s not uncommon to see Georgia tight end Darnell Washington mocked to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of a 2023 NFL mock draft.
That’s exactly what happens in a new two-round mock draft from Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, a new release for Senior Bowl week.
Washington is a massive target who would fit in well as an immediate starter, which makes sense with both Hayden Hurst and Drew Sample slated for free agency.
Perhaps more interesting is the second round of the mock draft, where the Bengals pick 60th and take Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron.
A 6’5″, 322-pound senior, Bergeron fits the bill of a Bengals pick with a ton of experience and versatility.
As a whole, it’s one version of what a successful first round could look like for the Bengals as they hit two positions of need with good value. Swapping out the tight end for a defensive back or pass-rusher alongside an offensive lineman probably rounds out the list of likely scenarios this year as the team tries to keep the championship window wide open.
