Report: Bengals Considering Pair of Dark-Horse Options at Pick 28

CINCINNATI — A surprise selection could come down at No. 28 in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline reports the "sleeper pick" for the Cincinnati Bengals is Syracuse offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron.

"Conventional wisdom says the Bengals will draft a tight end or cornerback," Pauline wrote. "I have them selecting tight end Dalton Kincaid in my mock draft and Cincinnati is another team considering cornerback DJ Turner in the first round. The sleeper pick for Cincinnati is offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron of Syracuse.

"They signed tackle Orlando Brown in free agency to play left tackle and plan to move Jonah Williams to the right side, but the former first-round pick is demanding a trade. I’m told the Bengals feel the athletic Bergeron could play right tackle on Sunday and would be a better pass protector for Joe Burrow than Williams."

Bergeron has been a popular pick for Cincinnati this draft season, albeit in the second round. He is currently ranked 63rd on the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board and seventh among offensive tackles.

Cincinnati could feel the steep drop-off between him and Maryland tackle Jaelyn Duncan (93rd overall), prompting a consensus reach.

Turner could also be another choice due to an awkward spot at 28 as he sits 51st on the consensus big board and eighth among cornerbacks. That position is deeper than tackle on the big board but also could see a bigger early-second-round run because of that.

Matthew Bergeron (#60) with the jump block! pic.twitter.com/rWQo3XKJyF
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 16, 2023

Great rep from Matthew Bergeron! The @CuseFootball OT dominates this set here at the Senior Bowl! pic.twitter.com/0LTnlsaB58
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 2, 2023

Matthew Bergeron showing decent management with some change-of-direction.

Also showcases his impressive finishing ability. pic.twitter.com/siIQwYQBWd
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) February 20, 2023

Michigan CB D.J. Turner's 4.26-second 40-yard dash is all over his film. Looks like he's shot of a cannon when he's unlocked to come downhill toward the catch point. Also easily runs with verticals and shows good patience to play double moves. Fun player. pic.twitter.com/D7v2vjSU5s
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 29, 2023

Michigan’s D.J. Turner does an outstanding job in coverage to secure the pick.

He remained square until the receiver released. He reads the WR & stays on the upfield shoulder. Lastly, he plays through the WRs hands w/ violence.

He’s a toolsy CB!pic.twitter.com/FxhuTZ1hS8
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) August 18, 2022

Nice rep by D.J. Turner in vs Chris Olave
(This guy will run in 4.2 range and played on an island in college)#nfldraft pic.twitter.com/61eYTVce2f
— Matt Owen (@ProfessorO_NFL) February 18, 2023

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