Identifying the Bengals' Potential Targets in Rounds 2-3 of the 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati has the 60th and 92nd overall selections.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Apr 28, 2023 10:09 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals took Myles Murphy on Thursday night with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Who will they target on day two?

Cincinnati has the 60th and 92nd overall picks on Friday. Cornerback, running back, tight end and even wide receiver could be in consideration. There's also a chance the Bengals bolster the trenches again on the interior of their defensive line or with an offensive lineman. Here are some players you should know going into the second day of the draft:

Tight Ends

The Bengals have a need at tight end and only one (Dalton Kincaid) was taken in the first round.

Even if Michael Mayer gets picked early in the second round, guys like Sam LaPorta, Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft and Darnell Washington are still on the board.

If one of those players falls to the Bengals in round two, they could pull the trigger and land a top tight end on their board.

Some tight end candidates for the third round include Zach Kuntz, Luke Schoonmaker, Brenton Strange and Davis Allen.

Cornerbacks

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Darius Rush (DB28) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals are expected to take a cornerback on Friday. Like tight end, there are still plenty of guys that they could target.

Joey Porter Jr., Kelee Ringo, DJ Turner, Cam Smith, Clark Phillips, Tyrique Stevenson, Darius Rush, Julius Brents and Cam Mitchell are still on the board.

That's at least nine cornerbacks that the Bengals could target in the second or third rounds.

Cory Trice, Jakorian Bennett and Garrett Williams are three other players to watch in round three.

Other Positions

Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Dawand Jones (79) celebrates following the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Ohio State won 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dawand Jones continuing to fall would be perfect for the Bengals. The 6-8, 374-pound offensive lineman could be a plug-and-play option at right tackle, which would allow them to aggressively pursue a Jonah Williams trade.

He had an awful pre-draft process, which included not weighing in at his pro day and leaving the Senior Bowl after just one day. Would they consider him at 60? Could he fall all the way to their pick in round three (92nd overall)?

Jones could go anywhere from pick 40 to pick 100, but it definitely feels like he'll get taken on Friday.

Guys like O'Cyrus Torrence, Cody Mauch, Steve Avila, Matthew Bergeron, Tyler Steen and Nick Saldiveri could also be in play in rounds 2-3 if they continue to fall and Cincinnati is adamant about addressing the offensive line.

Torrence, Mauch and Avila are expected to be taken early on day two.

Zach Charbonnet might be the only running back they'd consider in round two. If he falls to the Bengals, they may be tempted to take the former UCLA star.

There are a handful of running backs they could target in round three, including Tyjae Spears, Roschon Johnson, Devon Achane, Kendre Miller and Isreal Abanikanda.

Wide receiver could also be in play on day two. Some of the top receivers remaining include Jalin Hyatt, Josh Downs, Tyler Scott, Cedric Tillman, Marvin Mims, Jayden Reed, Rashee Rice, Jonathan MIngo, Tank Dell and Trey Palmer.

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