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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Chris Roling

Cincinnati Bengals updated 2023 NFL mock draft after Day 2

Before Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft begins, the Cincinnati Bengals boast five picks over the scheduled four rounds.

Cincinnati added one extra pick by trading down three spots with the Kansas City Chiefs near the end of the third round.

The Bengals project to attack needs such as tight end, running back and perhaps even punter in the final rounds, though in no particular order. There’s also the matter of a Jonah Williams trade that could still happen at any point, be it to help the team move around or just straight-up for another pick.

Here’s a look at a Day 3 mock draft using the mock simulator from Pro Football Focus.

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Round 4, No. 131: DL Karl Brooks, Bowling Green

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Don’t be mad about a fourth-straight defender — Brooks is legit. The defense needs another interior pass-rusher and Brooks is just that. He earned a 93.0 PFF grade last year while tallying 12 sacks. He’d have an instant impact in a rotation and again follows the theme of future-proofing the defense.

Round 5, No. 163: RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

One of the youngest players in the draft, Abanikanda put up 1,426 yards and 20 touchdowns on a 5.9 average last year. He’s got massive upside and would be an ideal combo back with Joe Mixon.

Round 6, No. 206: WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a need one year in advance — a slot prospect to replace Tyler Boyd. The Bengals will shift money to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which leaves Boyd likely on the way out after one more season.

Round 6, No. 217: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

That extra pick just for moving down three spots in the third round sure comes in handy here — the Bengals net one of the best punters in the draft with Pro Bowl or higher upside.

Round 7, No. 246: TE Marshon Ford, Louisville

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

One gets the sense the Bengals don’t value tight end nearly as much as outsiders and/or really, really like Irv Smith Jr. as the top guy. And that’s fine — Ford was productive and a good value here with the ability to work his way up the depth chart.

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