Before Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft begins, the Cincinnati Bengals boast five picks over the scheduled four rounds.
Cincinnati added one extra pick by trading down three spots with the Kansas City Chiefs near the end of the third round.
The Bengals project to attack needs such as tight end, running back and perhaps even punter in the final rounds, though in no particular order. There’s also the matter of a Jonah Williams trade that could still happen at any point, be it to help the team move around or just straight-up for another pick.
Here’s a look at a Day 3 mock draft using the mock simulator from Pro Football Focus.
Round 4, No. 131: DL Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
Don’t be mad about a fourth-straight defender — Brooks is legit. The defense needs another interior pass-rusher and Brooks is just that. He earned a 93.0 PFF grade last year while tallying 12 sacks. He’d have an instant impact in a rotation and again follows the theme of future-proofing the defense.
Round 5, No. 163: RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
One of the youngest players in the draft, Abanikanda put up 1,426 yards and 20 touchdowns on a 5.9 average last year. He’s got massive upside and would be an ideal combo back with Joe Mixon.
Round 6, No. 206: WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
Here’s a need one year in advance — a slot prospect to replace Tyler Boyd. The Bengals will shift money to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which leaves Boyd likely on the way out after one more season.
Round 6, No. 217: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
That extra pick just for moving down three spots in the third round sure comes in handy here — the Bengals net one of the best punters in the draft with Pro Bowl or higher upside.
Round 7, No. 246: TE Marshon Ford, Louisville
One gets the sense the Bengals don’t value tight end nearly as much as outsiders and/or really, really like Irv Smith Jr. as the top guy. And that’s fine — Ford was productive and a good value here with the ability to work his way up the depth chart.
