The Cincinnati Bengals exit the 2024 NFL scouting combine likely as impressed as all other teams with the stellar offensive line class.
But that doesn’t mean the Bengals will actually address the line in front of Joe Burrow in the first round.
In fact, two new post-combine mock drafts have the Bengals loading up on more weapons for Burrow, not linemen.
For such an approach to work out, the front office will need to either retain right tackle Jonah Williams in free agency or find a suitable replacement who can start for one year at a minimum.
Still, it’s always interesting to see mocks that gift a strong offense further weapons, so let’s take a look.
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire
In this mock, the Bengals stick at No. 18 and grab Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Over the next three picks, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, interior lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson and tackle Amarius Mims come off the board. Bowers is easily the best tight end in the class and a fun fit, though saying no thanks to a trio of top linemen is a bold move that would signify a strong free-agency solution.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
The Bengals go back to the LSU well here with wideout Brian Thomas Jr.:
While the Bengals could use tackle help on the right side immediately, Thomas gives them a highly athletic inside/outside option with electric speed who can step in and play right away. He can also become the WR2, should the team ultimately need a successor to the franchise-tagged Tee Higgins.
Bowers and five notable offensive linemen come off the board before the Bengals pick in this scenario, so it’s a Tee Higgins insurance policy. Thomas would start in a Tyler Boyd-like role as a rookie before moving into the No. 2 slot.
