The Cincinnati Bengals just completed the 2023 NFL draft, adding eight players in a well-graded draft class who can help the team right away and well into the future.
Luckily for fans, draft season never ends — now it’s time to briefly glance at the 2024 NFL draft.
There, the Bengals will again attempt to draft for immediate impact that helps the team win Super Bowls right away, while also looking ahead to needs in a way that keeps the championship window open as long as possible.
Keeping in mind the massive list of free agents the Bengals could lose in 2024 free agency, here’s our too-early take on a 2024 mock draft, using the mock simulator from Pro Football Network.
Round 1 (29): LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
If there’s anything the Jordan Battle pick taught outsiders, it’s that the Bengals aren’t going to pass on best-player-availabe. Trotter has everything the Bengals love — big program, big production, big leadership, even his father playing 11 years plays a part. It sure helps that last year he had 92 tackles, 13.5 for loss, six pass breakups and led the team in sacks at 6.5. Headed up by Logan Wilson, the team has five linebackers slated for free agency next year.
Round 2: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
It’s hard to see Fisher falling this far by the 2024 draft, but who knows? The Bengals have four names fighting for right tackle right now. But La’el Collins is rehabbing, Jonah Williams wants a trade and Cody Ford and Jackson Carman are question marks as of this writing.
Round 3: RB Trey Benson, Florida State
Chase Brown, a pick this year, has a serious shot to make an impact in Week 1. But he’s also got a ton of wear and tear on his frame from heavy college usage. Benson is a fun prospect with minimal workrate on his body — yet he ran for 990 yards and nine scores on a 6.4 average last year.
Round 4: DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
One of the big names going to free agency in 2024? DJ Reader. It would be sensible for the team to re-sign him, but it’s time to start reinforcing the interior line.
Round 5: TE Cade Stover, Ohio State
The Bengals have to get some longer contracts going at tight end. Stover is local, has upside and caught five scores last year on 36 catches.
Round 6: OL Marques Cox, Kentucky
Time to seek depth improvement. Cox has started a ton of games in college and should be reliable.
Round 7: TE C.J. Dippre, Alabama
Remember the double-dip at wideout this year? That’s the idea here with a second tight end. Dippre is now at Alabama and a 6’5″ weapon with upside.
