The Cincinnati Bengals should have a very good selection of prospects to choose from when they walk to the podium during the second and third rounds of the 2023 NFL draft on Friday night.
A rather stunning run on wide receivers allowed the Bengals to get their best player available in the first round with defensive end Myles Murphy.
If the Bengals experience similar luck in the second round — or even consider a trade up — they could do the same again at positions of need such as tight end, cornerback or even running back, to name a few.
Here’s a look at a handful of the best players left on the board with a Bengals slant, especially narrowing in on those prospects who would fill a need at good value.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Don’t scoff at the idea of a running back. Coaches want a complement to Joe Mixon and Charbonnet might just replace him. He’s a very good all-around back with 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns on 398 carries and 61 catches for 518 yards.
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer was an idea for the Bengals in the first round but every team ended up passing on him. He’s a solid all-around prospect who would be a viable pick at their spot in the second — though one has to wonder if their comfort level with Irv Smith Jr. and the depth of this class makes them skip the position again.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
If the Bengals want to buy big upside and take a tight end in the third round, LaPorta might be the guy. The flashes he’s shown with the ball in his hands after the catch suggest major things in the right offense.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington is a stunning prospect who was stuck behind a potential top-10 player. He’s 6’6″ and 264 pounds with a 98th-percentile wingspan and blocks nearly like an offensive lineman.
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
If the Bengals want to grab a right tackle, they might hope to luck into Jones taking a fall. He’s a 6’8″, 374-pound mauler who might just be able to start.
Keeanu Benton, DI, Wisconsin
Don’t think the Bengals won’t take defensive line again in Round 2, especially not with an interior pass-rusher like Benton potentially available. They need to get younger and cheaper at these premium spots as more money shifts to the offense.
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Porter was a candidate for the Bengals in Round 1. He’s got Lou Anarumo written all over him due to his ability in press coverage, though it’s hard to see him keep falling.
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Maybe the most consistent cornerback in the draft might appeal to the Bengals if a run on other positions pushes him to their pick in Round 2.
DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
There were whispers about Turner as a first-rounder and they weren’t unwarranted given his amazing athleticism and technique, a combo the Bengals might find irresistible in Round 2.
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
A 6’2″ corner who might be able to rep at safety too, Brents could be another valuable Swiss Army Knife like Mike Hilton.
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Would the Bengals be able to say no to the best safety in the class if he keeps falling? That’s hard to imagine.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
Adebawore was mocked to the Bengals a few times in the first round and he’d be an amazing value in the second. They need a deeper pass-rushing depth from the interior.
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Bergeron is another option at tackle, though he does seem to excel more as a pass-blocker and they would need him on the right side.
Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
A 6’5″ tight end with major downfield potential who doesn’t necessarily have to start right away would be a nice need-value balance.
