ESPN, The Ringer List Cornerback, Tight End As Bengals Top 2023 NFL Draft Needs

The Bengals are less than a month from selecting a crucial draft class for the future of the franchise.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Apr 6, 2023 10:01 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals go on the clock in a little over three weeks as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches quickly.

ESPN listed the top draft needs for all 32 teams this week and put cornerback, safety, tight end, running back, and interior offensive line at the top of the list in that order.

"We saw in last season's playoffs how opponents can pick apart this secondary when the front four can't get to the quarterback," Matt Miller wrote. "The pass defense allowed 7.2 yards per attempt over the Bengals' three postseason contests, ranking 10th among playoff teams.

"Mike Hilton is solid at cornerback, but the outside coverage spots could use upgrades. The same could be said at free safety, where Nick Scott is replacing Jessie Bates III. With an offense built for shootouts, the secondary has to be a continual focus of team building. Adding depth at tight end and running back are smart mid-draft targets, even after signing Irv Smith Jr. to challenge for the starting tight end job."

Scott signed a modest deal with the Bengals, but he is a near-lock to start alongside Dax Hill as the 30th-highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Tight end and running back feel like much larger needs given the lack of multi-year answers at those positions.

The Ringer has tight end at the top of the list followed by offensive tackle and defensive back.

"The Bengals lost tight end Hayden Hurst in free agency just one year after losing C.J. Uzomah to the Jets, but they are staring down one of the best drafts for tight ends in years," Danny Heifetz wrote. "A franchise tight end falling into Cincy’s lap alongside receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins would be an embarrassment of riches for QB Joe Burrow. Along with Burrow’s pass catchers, the Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. to be Burrow’s new left tackle in March, but a right tackle in the first round could replace the displeased Jonah Williams, who is in the final year of his contract. On defense, the Bengals lost both starting safeties—Vonn Bell and team captain Jessie Bates III—opening up a hole in Cincy’s secondary."

Again, there is not really a hole at safety for Cincinnati. The 2023 starters are already under contract, plus second-year player Tycen Anderson should be in a better position health-wise to make an impact.

It'll continue to play out on draft night when the Bengals address more of their open spots.

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