The 2023 NFL draft looks like an opportune time for the Cincinnati Bengals to trade down and acquire more draft assets while reinforcing the roster.
Given the stunning depth of the class and the lukewarm projectable first round, the Bengals could gain much by adding more picks in the heart of the event.
That’s what we do below in a seven-round mock draft after seeing how the board fell, seeking out a trade partner willing to jump up into the first round.
Using the mock draft simulator at Pro Football Focus, here’s a look at the trade explanation and how the picks unfold from there.
The trade
With Emmanuel Forbes, Dalton Kincaid, Anton Harrison and a host of others still on the board, we hit the trade block and found the Los Angeles Rams. We gave them No. 28 in the first round while picking up No. 36 and No. 77 (via New England). An extra top-100 pick in a class this deep means another potential rotational starter right away.
Round 2, No. 36: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Moving down, picking up an extra pick and still getting Jones is really nice. At 6’8″ and 374 pounds, he’s got instant-starter potential at right tackle. This makes it much easier to trade Jonah Williams and possibly bow out of La’el Collins’ expensive cap hit at the same time.
Round 2, No. 60: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Knowing they have an extra pick, it makes investing in a running back early easy. Zach Charbonnet is an every-down prospect they can pair with Trayveon Williams (or Ezekiel Elliott?). This makes it easier to get out of Mixon’s expensive cap hit, too.
Round 3, No. 77: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
Karl Brooks out of @BG_Football is a name to watch. Quality DL at 6-3, 303 pounds, who finished with 18 TFLs and 10 sacks. Quick first step is evident when you watch his tape, as is his bull rush.
I’m told he’ll have 16 visits scheduled before 4/19 deadline – with 4 teams… pic.twitter.com/Cm7YFtgevO
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 12, 2023
A versatile pass-rusher with 20 sacks over his last two seasons, Lou Anarumo gets a fun piece with Brooks. He’s a strong immediate interior pass-rusher next to DJ Reader, helping in a rotation with B.J. Hill and others.
Round 3, No. 92: Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
Cory Trice Jr. is a CB prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.65 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 78 out of 2212 CB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/e8gcJeClB1 pic.twitter.com/tfR1WztefY
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 14, 2023
A 6’3″ corner who only allowed one catch on 88 press snaps last year? Sign Anarumo up. The Bengals need serious depth at the spot and Trice has some intriguing upside.
Round 4, No. 131: Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
Davis Allen is a TE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 8.58 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 158 out of 1104 TE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/gUiC5JAgOv pic.twitter.com/83LyKGAmr8
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 16, 2023
Allen, who scored five times last year, is a nice big target who has a ton of proven production as a contested-pass catcher. That’s just what the offense needs, and it might be enough to have him in a battle with Irv Smith Jr. right away.
Round 5, No. 163: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
Statistical Scouting Report: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
Sim Score Comps: Jeremy Kerley, Hunter Renfrow, K.J. Osborn, Cedrick Wilson, Jamison Crowder#NFLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/2QpWVwqahh
— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) April 18, 2023
One of the best route runners in the draft, Moreno-Cropper feels like a no-brainer of a pick as the team eyeballs life without Tyler Boyd in the slot beyond 2023.
Round 6, No. 206: Desjuan Johnson
Toledo's Desjuan Johnson is the Day 3 Calijah Kancey in this class
— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) April 18, 2023
A local prospect with 13 sacks over his last two seasons, Johnson comes in and improves line depth while pushing for the final roster.
Round 7, No. 246: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
The Bengals need competition for Drue Chrisman after last year’s struggles and get it here with one of the best in class.
