Five Thoughts on the Cincinnati Bengals' 2023 NFL Draft Class

Cincinnati added plenty of speed and athleticism with their eight picks.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Apr 29, 2023 9:19 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals added eight players in the 2023 NFL Draft, including three defensive backs, two wide receivers and a punter.

Here are five thoughts on their class:

Balance

Cincinnati Bengal head coach Zach Taylor introduced Myles Murphy, 21, as the newest Cincinnati Bengal player at Paycor Stadium, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Murphy said he choose the number 99, because 98 wasn t available. DJ Reader is number 98. Like Reader, Murphy attended Clemson University. Myles Murphy Newest Cincinnati Bengal — © Liz Dufour/Cincinnati Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bengals added three defensive players in the first three rounds of the draft, including Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy.

They wanted to take advantage of the strengths of this draft class. It became clear early in the process that their first round pick was going to be on defense.

Of course they had guys like Jahmyr Gibbs and Dalton Kincaid on their board, but the majority of their board was made up of defensive players.

That continued in rounds two and three. Michigan cornerback DJ Turner had a high second round grade and Alabama safety Jordan Battle close to him on their board.

They picked Turner in round two (60th overall) and Battle fell to them in round three.

They even traded down from pick No. 92 to No. 95 and Battle was still there.

The Bengals responded to 3-straight defensive players on the first two days of the draft by taking 3-straight skill players in rounds 4-6.

They found two wide receivers they liked in Charlie Jones and Andre Iosivas. Both guys are great athletes. Fifth round running back Chase Brown is another great athlete.

It might not have been early in the draft, but the Bengals' depth in key areas is much stronger on offense and defense.

Speed and Athleticism

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back DJ Turner (5) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is arguably the fastest and most athletic roster in Bengals' history. Their secondary was already filled with elite athletes and then they went out and added Turner in the second round.

Murphy ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at 6-5, 270 pounds. Jones tested well during the pre-draft process, both in the 40-yard dash (4.43) and agility drills.

Brown and Iosivas instantly become two of the best athletes on the team.

Cincinnati's secondary, defensive line, wide receiver room and running back room all added high-end athletes with elite speed.

Plug-and-Play Offensive Weapons

Dec 3, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Charlie Jones (15) reacts after a long reception during the first half of the Big Ten Championship against the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports — Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jones and Brown should contribute on offense in their rookie seasons.

Let's start with Jones, who will be 25-years-old in October. He had 110 receptions for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

He ran a full route tree at Purdue, is an experienced punt and kick returner and played both outside and in the slot.

There's no reason why Jones can't win the starting returner job. He can also push for the fourth wide receiver spot behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

His versatility should allow him to get on the field as a rookie.

Much like Jones, Brown produced at a high level in the Big Ten. The Illinois product had 1,643 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He also caught 27 passes for 240 yards and three scores.

Brown should be able to contribute right away on offense in a variety of ways. He had 328 carries last season and was a bell cow back for the Fighting Illini.

Ultimate Lottery Ticket

Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Princeton wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (WO24) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Iosivas is the perfect gamble in round six. A high-character player with elite athleticism and measurables that has to develop and grow to be a successful NFL player.

Wide receivers coach Troy Walters believes it's the ultimate lottery ticket.

“Yeah, it really is," Walters said. "That’s why we’re excited upstairs to have a guy like this, with so much upside, with the traits and the physical tools. And then, he’s a good kid and a hard worker. The sky is the limit, and we’re going to bring it out of him. I think we’ve got a special player.”

Iosivas had 66 receptions for 943 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He produced, but will have to adjust to press coverage, which he'll face more in the NFL. He'll also have to learn the full route tree.

Despite that, there's a chance he could develop into a contributor because he's such a great athlete.

Special Teams Fix

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines punter Brad Robbins (91) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Adding Battle in round three could get overlooked, but he should contribute on special teams. Most of the guys in this class should be able to help Darrin Simmons' crew, but no one more than sixth-round punter Brad Robbins.

Robbins will compete with Drue Chrisman for the job, but he's certainly the favorite to win the battle.

He only had nine career touchbacks at Michigan and posted a 4.29 second average hangtime over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Chrisman's hangtime was 3.85 seconds last season.

Robbins also held on field goal attempts and extra points, so there's no reason why he shouldn't win the job and bring the Bengals some stability at punter.

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