NFL Draft Grades - Cincinnati Bengals
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Cincinnati Bengals Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (7)
2023
Pick 28. (R:1 P:28) -
Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Grade: B+
The Bengals really wanted Lukas Van Ness, but Myles Murphy is a similar athlete. Rushing the quarterback is essential for the Bengals, who are going to be competing with the Chiefs and Bills in the playoffs every year. Murphy is a fine choice, though passing on Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer is questionable.
Grade: B+
The Bengals really wanted Lukas Van Ness, but Myles Murphy is a similar athlete. Rushing the quarterback is essential for the Bengals, who are going to be competing with the Chiefs and Bills in the playoffs every year. Murphy is a fine choice, though passing on Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer is questionable.
2023
Pick 60. (R:2 P:29) - D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
Grade: A-
I had this pick slotted to the Bengals, who love drafting players from big-time schools who played in huge games. D.J. Turner, who obviously qualifies, ran the fastest 40 at the combine. He has huge upside, which the Bengals need when they're battling all the elite passing offenses in the AFC.
Grade: A-
I had this pick slotted to the Bengals, who love drafting players from big-time schools who played in huge games. D.J. Turner, who obviously qualifies, ran the fastest 40 at the combine. He has huge upside, which the Bengals need when they're battling all the elite passing offenses in the AFC.
2023
Pick 92. (R:3 P:29) -
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Grade: B+
The need is obvious, as the Chiefs lost both of their tackles this offseason. They obtained Jawaan Taylor, but still needed a tackle. Wanya Morris makes sense as a third-round pick. He's very athletic for the position, but needs to get stronger.
Grade: B+
The need is obvious, as the Chiefs lost both of their tackles this offseason. They obtained Jawaan Taylor, but still needed a tackle. Wanya Morris makes sense as a third-round pick. He's very athletic for the position, but needs to get stronger.
2023
Pick 131. (R:4 P:29) - Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Grade: A
The Bengals add yet another receiver for the future when they'll have to trade either Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd. I like Charlie Jones quite a bit; he's a shifty route runner with reliable hands. I thought he could have gone in the third round.
Grade: A
The Bengals add yet another receiver for the future when they'll have to trade either Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd. I like Charlie Jones quite a bit; he's a shifty route runner with reliable hands. I thought he could have gone in the third round.
2023
Pick 163. (R:5 P:28) -
Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Grade: B+
The Bengals needed a running back with Joe Mixon declining and Samaje Perine gone. Chase Brown is a quality power back with plus receiving ability. I had him in the fourth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
Grade: B+
The Bengals needed a running back with Joe Mixon declining and Samaje Perine gone. Chase Brown is a quality power back with plus receiving ability. I had him in the fourth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
2023
Pick 206. (R:6 P:29) - Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
Grade: A
Andrei Iosivas has an impressive combination of size and speed. I had him in the fourth round, so I love this value for the Bengals. Again, Cincinnati may lose some receivers soon, so perhaps Iosivas can compete for a job in the future.
Grade: A
Andrei Iosivas has an impressive combination of size and speed. I had him in the fourth round, so I love this value for the Bengals. Again, Cincinnati may lose some receivers soon, so perhaps Iosivas can compete for a job in the future.
2023
Pick 246. (R:7 P:29) - D.J. Ivey, CB, Miami
Grade: B+
D.J. Ivey is a solid late-round cornerback prospect with nice size. He has some speed concerns, but nothing major. He could have gone a round or two earlier.
Grade: B+
D.J. Ivey is a solid late-round cornerback prospect with nice size. He has some speed concerns, but nothing major. He could have gone a round or two earlier.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Cincinnati Bengals: Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
The Bengals know that the road to the Super Bowl goes through the Chiefs and Bills. Thus, they need to be able to generate as much pressure on the opposing quarterback as possible.
Lukas Van Ness has a relentless motor, but is a bit raw. He was a great performer at the combine.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Michael Mayer, TE - The Bengals are not going to force a tight end pick, but they'd definitely consider Mayer.
2. Emmanuel Forbes, CB - Cornerback is a strong possibility for the Bengals.
Round: 2
Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
The Bengals would love to land a cornerback like Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, but they may have to wait until the second frame to address the position.
D.J. Turner was the fastest cornerback at the combine.
Round: 3
Cincinnati Bengals: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
If the Bengals continue to draft for the future, they'll consider selecting a nose tackle because D.J. Reader is entering his contract year.
Siaki Ika is a massive nose tackle who can apply a bit of pressure on the quarterback.
Round: 4
Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
The Bengals are not going to force a tight end in the first round. Instead, they'll take one in the middle rounds.
Josh Whyle produced well last year despite enduring inconsistent quarterback play.
Round: 5
Cincinnati Bengals: Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
Samaje Perine is gone, so the Bengals will need another running back who can catch passes.
Eric Gray was a solid back with quality receiving skills at Oklahoma.
Round: 6
Cincinnati Bengals: Kahlef Hailassie, CB, Western Kentucky
The Bengals could easily pursue a cornerback earlier than this, as the secondary must be addressed.
Round: 7
Cincinnati Bengals: T.J. Coleman, DE, Missouri
The Bengals need as many edge rushers as possible to beat Patrick Mahomes.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 28. (R:1 P:28) -
Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
B+ The Bengals really wanted Lukas Van Ness, but Myles Murphy is a similar athlete. Rushing the quarterback is essential for the Bengals, who are going to be competing with the Chiefs and Bills in the playoffs every year. Murphy is a fine choice, though passing on Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer is questionable.
B+ The Bengals really wanted Lukas Van Ness, but Myles Murphy is a similar athlete. Rushing the quarterback is essential for the Bengals, who are going to be competing with the Chiefs and Bills in the playoffs every year. Murphy is a fine choice, though passing on Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer is questionable.
2023
Pick 60. (R:2 P:29) - D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
A- I had this pick slotted to the Bengals, who love drafting players from big-time schools who played in huge games. D.J. Turner, who obviously qualifies, ran the fastest 40 at the combine. He has huge upside, which the Bengals need when they're battling all the elite passing offenses in the AFC.
A- I had this pick slotted to the Bengals, who love drafting players from big-time schools who played in huge games. D.J. Turner, who obviously qualifies, ran the fastest 40 at the combine. He has huge upside, which the Bengals need when they're battling all the elite passing offenses in the AFC.
2023
Pick 92. (R:3 P:29) -
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
B+ The need is obvious, as the Chiefs lost both of their tackles this offseason. They obtained Jawaan Taylor, but still needed a tackle. Wanya Morris makes sense as a third-round pick. He's very athletic for the position, but needs to get stronger.
B+ The need is obvious, as the Chiefs lost both of their tackles this offseason. They obtained Jawaan Taylor, but still needed a tackle. Wanya Morris makes sense as a third-round pick. He's very athletic for the position, but needs to get stronger.
2023
Pick 131. (R:4 P:29) - Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
A The Bengals add yet another receiver for the future when they'll have to trade either Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd. I like Charlie Jones quite a bit; he's a shifty route runner with reliable hands. I thought he could have gone in the third round.
A The Bengals add yet another receiver for the future when they'll have to trade either Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd. I like Charlie Jones quite a bit; he's a shifty route runner with reliable hands. I thought he could have gone in the third round.
2023
Pick 163. (R:5 P:28) -
Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
B+ The Bengals needed a running back with Joe Mixon declining and Samaje Perine gone. Chase Brown is a quality power back with plus receiving ability. I had him in the fourth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
B+ The Bengals needed a running back with Joe Mixon declining and Samaje Perine gone. Chase Brown is a quality power back with plus receiving ability. I had him in the fourth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
2023
Pick 206. (R:6 P:29) - Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
A Andrei Iosivas has an impressive combination of size and speed. I had him in the fourth round, so I love this value for the Bengals. Again, Cincinnati may lose some receivers soon, so perhaps Iosivas can compete for a job in the future.
A Andrei Iosivas has an impressive combination of size and speed. I had him in the fourth round, so I love this value for the Bengals. Again, Cincinnati may lose some receivers soon, so perhaps Iosivas can compete for a job in the future.
2023
Pick 246. (R:7 P:29) - D.J. Ivey, CB, Miami
B+ D.J. Ivey is a solid late-round cornerback prospect with nice size. He has some speed concerns, but nothing major. He could have gone a round or two earlier.
B+ D.J. Ivey is a solid late-round cornerback prospect with nice size. He has some speed concerns, but nothing major. He could have gone a round or two earlier.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 31. (R:1 P:31) -
Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan
A- Grade
The Bengals really wanted George Karlaftis, but they'll settle for Daxton Hill to fill a big need. The Bengals have a weak group of cornerbacks, and Hill can be used everywhere. He easily could've been drafted 10 picks earlier than this, so the value is certainly there.
A- Grade
The Bengals really wanted George Karlaftis, but they'll settle for Daxton Hill to fill a big need. The Bengals have a weak group of cornerbacks, and Hill can be used everywhere. He easily could've been drafted 10 picks earlier than this, so the value is certainly there.
2022
Pick 60. (R:2 P:28) - Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
B+ Grade
The range is exact for Cam Taylor-Britt. I mocked him 60th, but to the Buccaneers. He makes sense for the Bengals as well. Cincinnati brought in so many cornerbacks for top-30 visits because the position was such a weakness. Taylor-Britt, the last of the remaining second-round cornerbacks, should provide an upgrade.
B+ Grade
The range is exact for Cam Taylor-Britt. I mocked him 60th, but to the Buccaneers. He makes sense for the Bengals as well. Cincinnati brought in so many cornerbacks for top-30 visits because the position was such a weakness. Taylor-Britt, the last of the remaining second-round cornerbacks, should provide an upgrade.
2022
Pick 95. (R:3 P:31) -
Zachary Carter, DT, Florida
A- Grade
The Bengals were hoping for Devonte Wyatt in the first round, but they'll take another interior pass rusher at this selection. Zachary Carter can get pushed around in the running game, but he has an explosive ability to get to the quarterback, which Cincinnati will need when they combat all the talented quarterbacks in the AFC. I like this value.
A- Grade
The Bengals were hoping for Devonte Wyatt in the first round, but they'll take another interior pass rusher at this selection. Zachary Carter can get pushed around in the running game, but he has an explosive ability to get to the quarterback, which Cincinnati will need when they combat all the talented quarterbacks in the AFC. I like this value.
2022
Pick 136. (R:4 P:31) - Cordell Volson, G, North Dakota State
D Grade
This pick neither fills a need nor provides any value. I didn't have Cordell Volson in my mock draft in any update, though I considered him in the seventh round. The Bengals signed so many offensive linemen, so it didn't seem like they needed another one.
D Grade
This pick neither fills a need nor provides any value. I didn't have Cordell Volson in my mock draft in any update, though I considered him in the seventh round. The Bengals signed so many offensive linemen, so it didn't seem like they needed another one.
2022
Pick 174. (R:5 P:31) - Dominique Robinson, DE, Miami (Ohio)
A Grade
Khalil Mack's replacement! Dominique Robinson has some huge shoes to fill, but I love this pick. I thought Dominique Robinson could go early on Day 3, so this is great value. Robinson should be able to help with the pass rush because of his relentlessness.
A Grade
Khalil Mack's replacement! Dominique Robinson has some huge shoes to fill, but I love this pick. I thought Dominique Robinson could go early on Day 3, so this is great value. Robinson should be able to help with the pass rush because of his relentlessness.
2022
Pick 210. (R:6 P:31) -
Chasen Hines, G, LSU
A+ Grade
I can't believe it. I love a Bill Belichick pick. Maybe he won't bomb my house after all. Chasen Hines is an absolute steal toward the end of the sixth round. I thought he would be chosen in the third or fourth frame. Charlie Campbell agrees, as he listed Hines on his draft sleepers page.
A+ Grade
I can't believe it. I love a Bill Belichick pick. Maybe he won't bomb my house after all. Chasen Hines is an absolute steal toward the end of the sixth round. I thought he would be chosen in the third or fourth frame. Charlie Campbell agrees, as he listed Hines on his draft sleepers page.
2022
Pick 227. (R:7 P:6) - Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina
B Grade
I slotted Nick Muse at No. 223 in the final mock, so this range is perfect for him. The Vikings lost Tyler Conklin this offseason, so they needed to address their depth at tight end.
B Grade
I slotted Nick Muse at No. 223 in the final mock, so this range is perfect for him. The Vikings lost Tyler Conklin this offseason, so they needed to address their depth at tight end.
2022 Cincinnati Bengals - Prospect:TBD
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 5. (R:1 P:5) -
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
B Grade
The Bengals had a difficult decision between Ja'Marr Chase and Penei Sewell. They ultimately decided on the former, which I don't agree with, but don't hate either. Sewell would have been much better for them, especially when considering Joe Burrow's recent knee injury. That said, Chase is going to be a superstar receiver in Cincinnati for a very long time, and it's not like he and Burrow have to develop any sort of chemistry.
B Grade
The Bengals had a difficult decision between Ja'Marr Chase and Penei Sewell. They ultimately decided on the former, which I don't agree with, but don't hate either. Sewell would have been much better for them, especially when considering Joe Burrow's recent knee injury. That said, Chase is going to be a superstar receiver in Cincinnati for a very long time, and it's not like he and Burrow have to develop any sort of chemistry.
2021
Pick 38. (R:2 P:6) -
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
A Grade
The Patriots traded two fourth-round picks in this deal with the Bengals. They simply couldn't believe that Christian Barmore was on the board. Barmore was a mainstay of my first round for most of the process, so I love the value New England is getting with a player who can help them pressure Josh Allen.
A Grade
The Patriots traded two fourth-round picks in this deal with the Bengals. They simply couldn't believe that Christian Barmore was on the board. Barmore was a mainstay of my first round for most of the process, so I love the value New England is getting with a player who can help them pressure Josh Allen.
2021
Pick 69. (R:3 P:5) -
Joseph Ossai, LB, Texas
B Grade
It was always going to be receiver/tackle, tackle/receiver and then edge rusher for the Bengals, who needed to replace Carl Lawson. Joseph Ossai is someone I've consistently mocked in the third round, so this pick makes sense. Ossai is a low-upside player, but he should be a solid contributor for Cincinnati.
B Grade
It was always going to be receiver/tackle, tackle/receiver and then edge rusher for the Bengals, who needed to replace Carl Lawson. Joseph Ossai is someone I've consistently mocked in the third round, so this pick makes sense. Ossai is a low-upside player, but he should be a solid contributor for Cincinnati.
2021
Pick 111. (R:4 P:6) - Cameron Sample, DE, Tulane
B+ Grade
It's no surprise that the Bengals are adding another edge rusher, given the powerhouse offenses they have to battle in the AFC North. They have yet to beat Lamar Jackson, so obtaining another pass rusher was a must. Cameron Sample is someone I had in this range, so this seems like a solid pick.
B+ Grade
It's no surprise that the Bengals are adding another edge rusher, given the powerhouse offenses they have to battle in the AFC North. They have yet to beat Lamar Jackson, so obtaining another pass rusher was a must. Cameron Sample is someone I had in this range, so this seems like a solid pick.
2021
Pick 149. (R:5 P:5) - Evan McPherson, K, Florida
C Grade
I hate kicker picks in the first three rounds, and I'm not a fan of them in the fourth frame. The fifth round is just OK, but know that kickers grow on trees. There's a tree outside my house, and there are four kickers growing on it right now.
C Grade
I hate kicker picks in the first three rounds, and I'm not a fan of them in the fourth frame. The fifth round is just OK, but know that kickers grow on trees. There's a tree outside my house, and there are four kickers growing on it right now.
2021
Pick 190. (R:6 P:6) -
Trey Hill, C, Georgia
A+ Grade
I thought Trey Hill put himself in first-round consideration when he handled Derrick Brown well in a 2019 matchup. I eventually moved him to the third round because of some knee injury concerns. Apparently, teams were more worried, but this was the right time to take a chance on such a high-upside player.
A+ Grade
I thought Trey Hill put himself in first-round consideration when he handled Derrick Brown well in a 2019 matchup. I eventually moved him to the third round because of some knee injury concerns. Apparently, teams were more worried, but this was the right time to take a chance on such a high-upside player.
2021
Pick 202. (R:6 P:18) - Chris Evans, RB, Michigan
B- Grade
The Bengals lost Giovani Bernard this offseason, so it makes sense that they would find a running back at some point on Day 3. Chris Evans could become a solid complement for Joe Mixon. There were better running backs available, but this isn't a bad pick.
B- Grade
The Bengals lost Giovani Bernard this offseason, so it makes sense that they would find a running back at some point on Day 3. Chris Evans could become a solid complement for Joe Mixon. There were better running backs available, but this isn't a bad pick.
2021
Pick 235. (R:7 P:7) - Wyatt Hubert, DE, Kansas State
B Grade
Wyatt Hubert didn't make my final mock, but he was slotted in the seventh round in a previous update. The Bengals are trying to load up their roster with as many pass rushers as possible to stop the dynamic offenses in the AFC North, so this pick makes sense to me.
B Grade
Wyatt Hubert didn't make my final mock, but he was slotted in the seventh round in a previous update. The Bengals are trying to load up their roster with as many pass rushers as possible to stop the dynamic offenses in the AFC North, so this pick makes sense to me.