There will be several mock drafts that project what the Cincinnati Bengals will do in the months leading up to the NFL Draft, which is less than a month away.
Although Trent Brown’s signing removes the need for them to select an offensive tackle in the first round, many still anticipate them to select one of the gifted players in the 2024 class.
Terrion Arnold, an Alabama cornerback, is selected by the Bengals in what may come as a surprise in ESPN’s complete seven-round mock draft.
“The Bengals are cleared to address the defense in Round 1 after signing free agent right tackle Trent Brown,” Miller stated. “Arnold’s combination with DJ Turner, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Mike Hilton allows Cincinnati’s secondary to compete against any AFC team.” After switching to cornerback, Arnold—a five-star safety prospect—started for two seasons, recording six interceptions and 21 pass breakups. At six feet and 189 pounds, he also ran a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. He is a powerful and aggressive player at the line of scrimmage. Put simply, he possesses the talent set of a potential Pro Bowl player and real CB1.
Miller projects that the Bengals will select Ricky Pearsall, a wide receiver from University of Florida, with pick 49.
Miller stated, “You need three starting wide receivers to run the Bengals’ three-WR offense.” “With Tyler Boyd still a free agent and Tee Higgins hanging out there on the franchise tag, that isn’t the case at this time. Cincinnati would have at least one more option in Pearsall to counter Ja’Marr Chase. He is quick and possesses some of the class’s top end-zone footwork and ball-tracking abilities.
The Bengals choose University of Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright with the 80th pick, adding an intriguing running back potential to the mix.
Miller wrote, “Joe Mixon is off to Houston, replaced in Cincinnati by Zack Moss and Chase Brown.” “However, Wright can push them both down the depth chart and start as a rookie because of his incredible speed and outside running ability.”
Blake Fisher, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, is the last player the Bengals select with their compensatory pick, which comes at No. 97.
“The Bengals still need to consider the offensive line in the long run, even with the addition of Trent Brown,” Miller said. Fisher projects as a possible starting right tackle because of his strength and punch, despite his occasionally ponderous footwork.
Below are the remaining selections he makes for the Bengals:
The following players are selected in the first round: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M; Pick 115 in Round 4; Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona; Pick 149 in Round 5; Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State; Pick 194 in Round 6; Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M; Pick 224 in Round 7; Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson; Pick 237 in Round 7; Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss