The Cincinnati Bengals put together a strong 2023 NFL draft class, starting right at the top with edge rusher Myles Murphy out of Clemson.
A massive defensive slant to the first two days wasn’t the biggest shocker in the world, either. While the rest of the league looks to emulate Cincinnati’s wideout-centric offensive blueprint, the Bengals were free to stack the deck against a quarterback-loaded AFC.
That sort of theme in mind, here’s a look at how we graded every single pick from the draft class, also taking into consideration things like value and need. Keep in mind a grade doesn’t guarantee success or failure and the best grades benefit from hindsight of roughly three years.
Round 1, No. 28: DE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy was the best player available, a fantastic blend of value and need and boosts the team’s contention window right now. His arrival means keeping guys like Trey Hendrickson fresher while projecting as someone who can have a major impact himself. Over the long term, he’s a likely every-down starter.
Grade: A
Round 2, No. 60: CB DJ Turner, Michigan
Getting a 4.26-40-yard-dash corner who excels in man coverage, can play inside or out and was often mocked in the first round is a major win. Like Murphy, Turner can play right away, but also helps the team get younger and cheaper when they likely don’t re-up with Chidobe Awuzie because they’re spending so much on the offense. The defense is super fast.
Grade: A+
Round 3, No. 95: S Jordan Battle, Alabama
This one shocked fans a bit but makes too much sense. The Bengals have “starters” with Nick Scott and Dax Hill, but there’s very little guaranteed there in terms of quality of play. Battle is a 44-game starter who hardly ever made mistakes, giving the defense a potential starter and incredible versatility in three-safety sets, which Lou Anarumo loves.
Grade: B+
Round 4, No. 131: WR Charlie Jones, Purdue
It’s really hard to complain about the Bengals adding a guy who caught 110 passes last year given the wicked highlight reels and abilities. The fact they’re drafting one year in advance of pressing needs like replacing Tyler Boyd is a bonus, too.
Grade: B
Round 5, No. 163: RB Chase Brown, Illinois
Brown ran for 1,600-plus yards last year, is a good receiver and pass-blocker and just generally looks like he could have an instant impact. He’s not going to encourage the team to cut Joe Mixon or anything, but he might be stealing snaps earlier than some would think. The only red flag about this pick is his 600-plus carries in college, which is a lot of wear and tear already.
Grade: B
Round 6, No. 206: WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
Hard to complain with getting a stunning athlete who can create separation this late in the draft. Backups and guys in four or five-wide sets had a hard time getting open. Iosivas won’t have that issue.
Grade: B
Round 6, No. 217: P Brad Robbins, Michigan
Robbins excels in hangtime, where Drue Chrisman struggles. That’s a big win, as is using the final pick of the sixth round to potentially land a starter.
Grade: A
Round 7, No. 246: CB DJ Ivey, Miami
Premium position? Check. Experience and production the program likes? Check again. Ivey has an uphill climb to the roster, but he’s got the tools and chance.
Grade: B
