Three Players Cincinnati Bengals Fans Should Know Ahead of 2023 NFL Combine

The Bengals have the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Feb 28, 2023 10:42 AM EST

In this story:

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2023 NFL Combine is this week and there are plenty of intriguing players and storylines.

We'll have the Bengals covered every step of the way, but here are a few [of the many] players that will command our attention in Indianapolis:

Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (0) makes a catch during the second half of the NCAA College Football National Championship game between TCU and Georgia on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. News Joshua L Jones — © Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Listed at 6-7, 270 pounds, Washington is a mountain of a man. He's an elite blocker and could work his way into the first round if he tests well in Indianapolis.

Why would the Bengals be interested in the 21-year-old? Well, they're certainly going to take a tight end in this draft, regardless of Hayden Hurst's future. A player like Washington could bolster their entire offense with his blocking ability—especially if he shows the athleticism that most expect to see from him at the combine.

If he tests like freak show, then he will certainly be in the conversation for the Bengals at No. 28. Then again, he might not be there when they're on the clock.

Tyjae Spears, Running Back, Tulane

Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tulane Green Wave running back Tyjae Spears (22) in action during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports — Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals need to get faster on offense and add dynamic weapons that can compliment Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in 2023 and beyond.

Spears is a home run hitter that is versatile enough to have an impact on the ground and as a receiver.

It's a crowded running back class, but Spears had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. If he performs well in Indianapolis, he could certainly put himself in position to be an option for the Bengals in round two (60th overall).

Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

Feb 2, 2023; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Cody Mauch of North Dakota State (70) practices during the third day of Senior Bowl week at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports — Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The North Dakota State prospect excelled after being a walk on for the Bison.

He's missing his two front teeth, which makes him a perfect "glass eater," but how will he test in Indianapolis?

Mauch was versatile in college, playing primarily tackle. If he can show the Bengals that he'll be just as versatile in the NFL, then he'll definitely be in play for Cincinnati on day two of the draft.

The downside is that he's already 24-years-old. The Bengals had success after taking Cordell Volson last year. They'll certainly be keeping a close eye on his former teammate this week.