Much to early Mock Drafts...

[Bengals1]

Mock Drafts are pretty useless and Mock Drafts before Free Agency are completely worthless. But since we don't have much else to discuss....

CBS Sports:
Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE
KANSAS STATE • JR • 6'4" / 255 LBS
Have to deal with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs every year in the playoffs means any challenger needs to be able to rush the passer. Pairing Anudike-Uzomah with Trey Hendrickson gives Cincy the ability to pressure without needing to blitz as frequently against Mahomes, a situation where he thrives. The Kansas State product has a high ceiling, as evidenced by his four-sack game against TCU in 2021. This is a player who could develop considerably in Lou Anarumo's defense.

PFF:
OT OLUMUYIWA FASHANU, PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (2024)
Cincinnati has to keep investing in the offensive line. This past season, left tackle Jonah Williams tied for the most sacks allowed (12), while right tackle La’el Collins earned the fifth-lowest pass-blocking grade (44.2) among tackles. Fashanu didn’t allow a sack and surrendered only one hit on 281 pass-blocking snaps. His 84.7 pass-blocking grade placed sixth among Power Five tackles.

Thedraftnetwork:
Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama
It’s safe to say that the Bengals have a team that will be AFC contenders for the next decade. But there is clearly another level that they have to reach to consistently knock off the Chiefs. I believe the Bengals make the decision to add more offensive firepower and draft Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Drafting Gibbs does not mean moving on from Joe Mixon because Gibbs has such a versatile skill set that he can play on the field with Mixon and be used as a receiver out of the backfield.

USAToday:
S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
The All-SEC performer can line up just about anywhere, including the slot, and is an effective defender in coverage and coming up to shut down the run. His 6-3 frame would come in handy in a division with TEs like Baltimore's Mark Andrews and Pittsburgh's Pat Freiermuth. A good chunk of Cincy's secondary is unsigned, including starting safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.

NBCSports:
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
The Bengals can help out Joe Burrow and find a replacement for free agent Hayden Hurst. Musgrave was limited in 2022 because of an ankle injury but is a good athlete (he showed that at the Senior Bowl) and a pretty good blocker for a rookie coming into the league. He could be a starter immediately.

NFL.com:
Michael Mayer Notre Dame · TE · Junior
With Hayden Hurst heading for free agency, Mayer can step right into the lineup and win contested catches for the Bengals.

Walterfootball.com:
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Cincinnati was interested in Trey McBride in last year's draft, so perhaps they'll use an early pick on a tight end. The next NFL tight end to come out of Notre Dame, Michael Mayer murdered opponents with high production over the middle of the field.

24/7Sports.com:
Anton Harrison, OL, Oklahoma

Tankathon.com:
Dalton KInkaid TE Utah

DraftTek.com:
Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
Safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates are both free agents now, making that position a high priority. The team drafted Dax Hill in RD1 of the 2022 Draft, but Hill hasn't shown much as a rookie. He played 150 snaps in the 2022 season and playoffs, 66 coming in one game against Tampa Bay. Whether or not Hill is slated for a starting role in 2023, the Bengals will still need a quality running mate at the safety position. Here the pick is Antonio Johnson.

[Joe Bananas]

Johnson, as of right now is my pick. Plays Safety and Corner and can cover alot of ground. At 6'3 and in the slot he can work well with the tight ends we go up against. Andrews, Kelce, others that kill us.

Now if a good corner is there then yes, something to consider. A Ringo, Cam Smith. What about Mayer if he's there. Be hard to pass up. An edge that falls maybe? Or a Tackle that's there or falls. Again, be a good problem to have.

[Jmble]

The Athletic posted their annual Beat Writer Mock Draft today. I always enjoy reading this one, so I'll post it all in case anybody else does too.

The 2023 NFL Draft is about two months away and teams are looking to move up — at least they are among our beat writers. Our NFL reporters gathered for a virtual mock draft with each of them representing the team they cover. We encouraged our writers to trade picks to move up or down as they saw fit, and there was wheeling and dealing happening at the top of the draft. Here’s how it played out:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Colts-Bears trade details: Colts receive the 2023 No. 1 pick; Bears receive 2023 No. 4 pick, 2023 No. 36 (second round), a 2023 fifth-round pick (via Buffalo) and Indianapolis’ 2024 first-round pick.

It wasn’t a smoke screen. When Colts owner Jim Irsay said, “The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad,” during new head coach Shane Steichen’s introductory press conference, he meant it. Young becomes the fourth quarterback to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Colts since the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984, following Jeff George (1990), Peyton Manning (1998) and Andrew Luck in 2012. The Alabama standout is the biggest gamble of that quartet given his 5-foot-10, 192-pound frame, but he’s the best offensive player in this draft. Paired with QB expert Steichen, Irsay believes Young can become the franchise’s next superstar and is worth the draft capital Indianapolis gave up to select him. — James Boyd

go-deeper
GO DEEPER

Dane Brugler's updated NFL Draft rankings: The top 100 prospects in 2023

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Texans tried to move up to No. 1, even offering both of this year’s first-round picks (No. 2 and 12) plus next year’s third-rounder, but the Colts would not be outbid. C.J. Stroud gives the Texans a quarterback with good arm strength and athleticism, although he’s not really much of a running threat. He reminds some of Joe Burrow in terms of athleticism. But he’s a high-level talent that should serve as a cornerstone for the Texans and DeMeco Ryans, if they can surround him with the right supporting cast and developmental plan. — Mike Jones

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, edge, Alabama
The Cardinals have several needs, so trading back for additional picks was an intriguing option, but it’s hard to pass on a dynamic talent like Will Anderson. He’s been college football’s dominant pass rusher for the past two seasons, producing 27 1/2 sacks and 48 tackles for loss. With the retirement of J.J. Watt, he’ll provide an immediate boost and will serve as a building block for defensive-minded, first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. — Doug Haller

4. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Falcons-Bears trade details: Falcons receive the No. 4 pick; Bears receive the No. 8 pick, 2023 No. 45 (second round) and a 2024 second-round pick.

The Falcons didn’t expect the No. 4 pick to be available and may have overpaid in their excitement, but is it really possible to overpay for an elite defensive tackle? Jalen Carter is Dane Brugler’s No. 1 prospect and has a talent for what Brugler calls “special block destruction.” The 6-3, 310-pounder was the best player on a dominant Bulldogs defense the past two seasons. Current Atlanta DT Grady Jarrett deserves some help in his ninth year, and the combination of Jarrett and Carter would give the Falcons their best interior combination in recent memory. — Josh Kendall

go-deeper
GO DEEPER

'Everybody circles 88 as the game wrecker': Jalen Carter is best yet from UGA D-linemen ranks

5. Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Raiders-Seahawks trade details: Raiders receive the No. 5 pick; Seahawks receive the 2023 No. 7, 71 (third round) and a fifth-round pick.

The Raiders ejected Derek Carr into the sun this offseason, so they need a quarterback. They could swing a big trade or spend a lot of money to acquire a veteran quarterback, but that doesn’t line up with general manager Dave Ziegler’s view that the roster isn’t one or even two moves away from being a viable contender. With the long-term view in mind, the best path forward is to draft a quarterback. And after trading the No. 7 overall pick, one Day 2 pick and one Day 3 selection to the Seahawks, the Raiders take the quarterback with the most upside in the draft in Florida’s Anthony Richardson.

The 6-foot-4, 232-pound quarterback has all the size you want along with a cannon for an arm capable of making every throw on the field and the speed, acceleration and power to have a massive impact on the ground. He needs to improve his accuracy, processing ability and overall fundamentals, but he’s not as much of a project as many think. He may not be ready to start right away, but the Raiders could re-sign Jarrett Stidham or bring in Jacoby Brissett as a stop-gap option to give themselves insurance for 2023. — Tashan Reed

go-deeper
GO DEEPER

On Anthony Richardson, a QB forged in fire and the NFL Draft's most intriguing prospect

6. Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Panthers-Lions trade details: Panthers receive No. 6 pick; Lions receive No. 9 and 2023 No. 94 overall.

After the Raiders somewhat surprisingly traded up for Anthony Richardson, three of the top four quarterbacks were off the board. The good news for the Panthers: The one who was left is the guy they like. Rather than risk having another team jump ahead of them for Will Levis, the Panthers moved up three spots by giving up just a third-round pick, which was part of the Christian McCaffrey trade. Stroud and Young put up bigger numbers, and Richardson might have a higher ceiling. But the 6-4, 230-pound Levis looks the part, has a big arm and has a Josh Allen-type vibe. The Panthers had a top-10 pick three years in a row that they used on someone other than a QB. It was time. — Joe Person

7. Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech
Because they don’t currently have a QB under contract, the Seahawks considered taking a quarterback with the No. 5 pick and were prepared to do so if a trade didn’t materialize. Moving back two spots while adding picks in the third and fifth rounds meant Seattle had to pass on a quarterback, but the team was still able to snag a pass rusher. Tyree Wilson is built more like a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 outside linebacker, but there’s still room for his skill set in Seattle’s defense, which often utilizes four-man fronts, particularly in sub packages. Wilson would come in as a long-armed power rusher off the edge, similar to what Seattle has had in the past at the position. — Michael-Shawn Dugar

8. Chicago Bears: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
Seeing multiple trades after the Bears’ second trade back might make GM Ryan Poles feel a bit anxious. The Falcons’ trade up and selection of Carter also were surprising. But I feel great about the Bears’ haul: the eighth pick, the 36th pick, the 45th pick and the Colts’ fifth-rounder (previously the Bills’) in this year’s draft and the Colts’ first- and the Falcons’ second-round picks in 2024. Poles would dance at Halas Hall if he netted something similar. It’s encouraging to see so many options to trade back. At No. 8, taking Peter Skoronski — a Chicago suburban product who was considered one of the best offensive linemen in the draft before the 2022 season began — makes too much sense. He’d instantly make the Bears’ offensive line better, especially if they feel good about his arm length for tackle. — Adam Jahns

9. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Lions should be looking to upgrade at cornerback. Jeff Okudah could be entering the final year of his rookie contract if the Lions don’t pick up his fifth-year option. Injuries aside, Okudah hasn’t lived up to the hype and was benched in favor of Mike Hughes late last season. Former undrafted free agent Jerry Jacobs has been serviceable, but that sort of speaks to where things are. It’s time to invest in a high-end corner. We get that in Devon Witherspoon — a physical corner with a playing style that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn should love. As for the trade: The Panthers were hesitant to give up a second-rounder for No. 6. Maybe Brad Holmes has more luck than I did if he looks to trade down. Regardless, picking up an extra Day 2 pick while still getting a player I had my eye on worked out in the end. — Colton Pouncy

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson
It was tough to pass on cornerback prospects such as Joey Porter Jr. and Christian Gonzalez when that might prove to be a glaring need (and an important position) for the Eagles, but their track record shows that when in doubt, go with the line of scrimmage. Myles Murphy is No. 5 on the consensus Big Board, which is evidence of the value of the pick. Add in the fact that he plays a premium position and is a pedigreed player (a former top-10 recruit) from a blue-chip program, and it checks boxes for the Eagles. He’s had solid production (13 1/2 sacks during the past two seasons), has the size to play the edge and as a down lineman (6-5, 273 pounds) and he was No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freak List.” He wouldn’t be a Day 1 starter for the Eagles, but he’d be part of a rotation for a group that led the NFL in sacks last season while relying on veterans Brandon Graham and Robert Quinn as reserves. — Zach Berman

11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
After failing to trade up to No. 1 to get — and prevent a division rival from getting — Bryce Young, I resorted to the Titans’ tradition of taking offensive tackles high in drafts. Paris Johnson makes four in the first three rounds since 2020, from total flameout (Isaiah Wilson, first round 2020) to botched do-over (Dillon Radunz, second round, 2021) to better do-over (Nicholas Petit-Frere, third round, 2022) to hopeful long-term left tackle of the Titans. Dane Brugler ranks Johnson No. 9 on his big board, calling him a “fluid big man” with some technique issues that are fixable. He steps in for Taylor Lewan, Ohio State for Michigan, with Buckeyes now bookending a line that needs much more work on top of this. — Joe Rexrode

go-deeper
GO DEEPER

Dane Brugler's 2023 NFL Draft rankings: Who are the top 15 players at each position?

12. Houston Texans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Although pairing Stroud with former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an attractive option and similar to moves by the Bengals (Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase), Eagles (Jalen Hurts-DeVonta Smith) and Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa–Jaylen Waddle), the Texans stick with their draft board and go with the top-rated wideout Quentin Johnston out of TCU. The 6-4, 215-pounder will give Stroud a big-play target with great athleticism and a wide catch radius. — Jones

13. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Packers-Jets trade details: Packers receive No. 13 pick, a 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if Aaron Rodgers plays in 2024 and wide receiver Elijah Moore; Jets receive Rodgers.

Why are the Packers drafting first at No. 13 and not two picks later, you ask? Jets general manager Joe Douglas (well, maybe it was team owner Woody Johnson getting desperate) presented Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Green Bay will send quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Jets for the No. 13 pick, a 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first-round pick if Rodgers plays in 2024 and wide receiver Elijah Moore. The Packers are high on quarterback Jordan Love and begin a new era by giving their 24-year-old quarterback a top three at wide receiver of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Moore in the slot. Oh, yeah, and the pick. Brian Branch will help boost the play in a safety group that left plenty to be desired last season, and he’ll be needed right away alongside Darnell Savage Jr. if Adrian Amos signs elsewhere in free agency. — Matt Schneidman

14. New England Patriots: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The draft board fell so well for the Patriots that I tried to trade back and accumulate more picks. But I couldn’t convince any of my colleagues to move up, and a brief effort to trade for Tee Higgins went nowhere after the Bengals made clear they weren’t interested. So after that, we had solid options to address the team’s three biggest needs. It came down to offensive tackle Broderick Jones, wide receiver Jordan Addison, or Porter. Dane Brugler has Porter as the best of those three, so we stuck with our board. Bill Belichick appreciates NFL history as much as anyone and saw Joey Porter Sr. wreck game plans. He now hopes to turn Porter Jr. into that kind of threat on the outside where he would have a chance to start from Day 1 for the Pats. — Chad Graff

15. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, edge, Iowa
He played in only nine games, but Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary had a higher pressure percentage than both Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons last season, per TruMedia. Gary tore his ACL in Week 9, and there’s no guarantee he’s back at full strength or even ready by Week 1. The Packers need an edge rusher — they would even if Gary was healthy — and one stat shows why. From Weeks 1-9, the Packers ranked second in pressure percentage. From Weeks 10-18 without Gary, 28th. Green Bay loves welcoming guys from Iowa, and the intriguing Van Ness gives the Packers immediate help as a versatile pass rusher. — Schneidman

16. Washington Commanders: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Washington hasn’t been shy about stating its offensive line needs revamping this offseason. Youth would come in the draft, but Round 1 seemed like a stretch — until one of the top three linemen fell to 16. Moving right tackle Sam Cosmi to guard is on the table, and the agile Broderick Jones could step right in while prepping to eventually shift to the left side down the line. Cornerback, in this case Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, would be the other primary target based on the board followed by tight end. — Ben Standig

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
In a perfect world, one of the top tackles would be available at No. 17 for the Steelers. With those guys off the board, the Steelers hit one of their other great needs they have rarely addressed in the first round in a quarter century — cornerback. Artie Burns was taken in the 2016 first round. Before that, you have to go back to Chad Scott in 1997. With Cam Sutton a free agent and no real shutdown corner on the roster including Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon, William Jackson III and James Pierre, a tough, physical, versatile corner who can start from Day 1 is a no-lose situation for the Steelers. Christian Gonzalez is a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore and still will mature physically and mentally in the next few years. — Mark Kaboly

18. Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
That sound you’re hearing is Draft Twitter furiously typing away to tell me how dumb it is to take a running back in the first round. The problem? I don’t really care. Bijan Robinson is the best prospect to come out in years and a top-five talent in this class. What he brings as both a runner (104 missed tackles forced in 2022) and a pass catcher is special. He has a chance to take an already good Lions offense and turn it into an elite one. The idea of Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Robinson and this offensive line in the same offense is downright scary — and makes life easier for Jared Goff.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson recently mentioned the need to turn four- and five-yard runs into runs of eight, nine or more. Robinson can step in and do that from Day 1 at a high level. As for the defense, Detroit allowed 20.2 points per game in its final 10 games once its rookie class broke through. Now the team is adding a corner at No. 9, has four more Day 2 picks to address defense and can also add in free agency. Perfectly fine with this move. — Pouncy

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
In our mock, four defensive backs were chosen in the nine-pick span between the Lions and Steelers. That’s understandable, given the quality at the position, but it’s probably not ideal for the Bucs, who could be DB-desperate on draft day unless they sign some of their own free agents or acquire others. If they must pick a non-QB at another position, Drew Sanders is an intriguing option because he can help a defense on first and second down as an inside linebacker and then rush the passer on nickel downs. He appears to be a Todd Bowles-kind of player. — Dan Pompei

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Seahawks): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Jaguars-Seahawks trade details: Jaguars receive No. 20; Seahawks get No. 25 and a fourth-round pick.

The Jaguars’ preference had been to improve the secondary in the first round, but options were limited and it felt like there could be comparable value at cornerback on Day 2. Michael Mayer’s value exceeded the next tier of players, so there was some urgency to move up for him. We’ll see what the Jaguars do with free-agent tight end Evan Engram, but there’s absolutely no harm in loading the offense with as many talented players as possible for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville’s defensive restock will be a methodical process, and this team will go as far as Lawrence can get them in the meantime. Mayer, by far the best tight end in the class, will help that cause. — Jeff Howe

go-deeper
GO DEEPER

2023 NFL Draft Consensus Big Board 3.0: Which prospects crack the top 100?

21. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited pick
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Chargers lack explosiveness at receiver, both down the field and in yards-after-the-catch situations, and addressing that need has to be a priority this offseason. The board in this mock draft fell beautifully for the Chargers to accomplish that goal. Jordan Addison is Dane Brugler’s top-ranked receiver. He can affect the game in two areas the Chargers need. Addison can play outside and in the slot, which will be important if the team decides to move on from Keenan Allen for cap reasons. There are some concerns over Addison’s size and strength, but I think this is a great value pick that fills a big roster hole. — Daniel Popper

23. Baltimore Ravens: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
This isn’t necessarily settling because Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a good player who is projected as a first-round pick. However, how this mock played out wouldn’t qualify as ideal for the Ravens. Their two major needs are wide receiver and cornerback. The top three cornerbacks are gone and two wide receivers who have been connected to them also are off the board. Smith-Njigba isn’t a bad consolation prize. There are questions about his speed and his injury-marred 2022 season, but the former Buckeye has shown that he knows how to get open in the middle of the field and make contested catches. He’s the kind of receiver that quarterback Lamar Jackson, who loves throwing the ball between the numbers, should get the most out of. — Jeff Zrebiec

24. Minnesota Vikings: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Selecting a cornerback made sense. Trading down was also an option. Bryan Bresee, though, plugs a key gap in the Vikings’ roster. He has pass-rushing potential for a defensive line that needs it, especially considering the Vikings’ current depth at the position. Dalvin Tomlinson, who this past season was the Vikings’ best force up front, could become a free agent depending on how negotiations play out over the next month. Harrison Phillips is a reliable run stopper, and Khyiris Tonga emerged late in the season. Still, Minnesota needed more help at the spot. The injury history (an ACL tear and kidney infection) is notable, but ultimately, the future outlook and upside bode well for a new-look defense under coordinator Brian Flores. — Alec Lewis

25. Seattle Seahawks: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Seattle would have taken O’Cyrus Torrence with the 20th pick, so adding a fourth-round pick to slide back a few spots is a win. Re-signing right guard Phil Haynes on a one-year deal worth a reported $4 million — a move that was announced after this mock — may mean the Seahawks don’t feel the urgency to take an interior lineman with the second of its two first-round picks. That said, neither Haynes nor left guard Damien Lewis are under contract beyond the 2023 season, so this is a position of need regardless. It’s easy to justify taking a lineman here who can help in the run game and the passing game. — Dugar

26. New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
When the No. 20 pick became available, the Giants contemplated trading up and offering their third-round compensatory pick in exchange. But with so many roster holes to fill, it felt unwise to give up a top-100 prospect just to move up five slots. Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence was on the brain (having just selected him in my own simulated mock draft) but with him off the board one pick earlier, the Giants had to go with their most pressing need: wide receiver. Jalin Hyatt may not have the size coveted by fans, but he has the speed and ability to stretch the field vertically, especially important if the Giants lose Darius Slayton to free agency. It will be fun to watch quarterback Daniel Jones develop a rapport with the young receiver. — Charlotte Carroll

27. Dallas Cowboys: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
With all of the top wide receivers and Florida offensive guard O’Cyrus Torrence coming off the board right before this pick, it made for a relatively easy decision. Kelee Ringo would give the Cowboys an outstanding young trio of starting cornerbacks, pairing him with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. The outside corner spot opposite Diggs was an issue down the stretch last year after veteran Anthony Brown was lost for the season with an Achilles injury. Ringo would immediately step in and bring ideal size (6-2, 210) and athleticism to what should be a strong defensive backfield in Dallas. — Jon Machota

28. Buffalo Bills: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Bills need more receiver weapons in 2023. Although Zay Flowers (5-foot-9) doesn’t have the height teams usually look for, the Bills have favored separation, yards after catch and competitiveness far more than anything else since 2019, and that’s Flowers in a nutshell. He would likely immediately walk in as a top-three receiver and is a supercharged version of what the Bills wanted Isaiah McKenzie to be but with more versatility to play the boundary in the Bills’ scheme. I also considered a guard/center prospect, but the Bills should be able to get one in the second round. — Joe Buscaglia

29. Cincinnati Bengals: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Bengals return their three top corners, but Chidobe Awuzie is coming off November ACL surgery and entering the final year of his contract while the team’s No. 4 (Eli Apple) and 5 (Tre Flowers) corners are hitting free agency. The Bengals always have valued stockpiling talent in the secondary, using first-round picks on corners in 2012, 2014 and 2016 without starting any of them as rookies. Banks is a plug-and-play option if Awuzie’s recovery is slowed or if another corner goes down.

The temptation was strong to go with one of the top two available tight ends, Luke Musgrave or Darnell Washington, given that the Bengals don’t have anyone at that position under contract for 2023. But there is a good chance they re-sign Hayden Hurst, and this is a deep class with more options in the coming rounds. Offensive tackle also was under consideration, but any of the available ones felt like a reach at 28. — Jay Morrison

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GO DEEPER

Dane Brugler’s NFL Mock Draft, 2.0: Which team makes a move up for Bryce Young?

30. New Orleans Saints: B.J. Ojulari, LSU
The Saints’ defensive front could take some hits in free agency, particularly with the potential loss of edge rusher Marcus Davenport. Cam Jordan is still a force, but he’ll turn 34 in July. Also, 2021 first-rounder Payton Turner hasn’t lived up to expectations to help the team’s ability to pressure the opposing quarterback. B.J. Ojulari isn’t quite the team’s prototype for an edge rusher in their 4-3 defense being that he’s only 245 pounds. But he was effective during his three seasons in Baton Rouge with 16 1/2 sacks and 25 1/2 tackles for a loss. — Larry Holder

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
This is a ripe spot for a trade down, and my guess is Howie Roseman will look to add mid-round inventory — and perhaps a future pick — by putting No. 31 for sale. In 2018, the Eagles traded No. 32 overall for a second-round pick, a 2019 second-round pick and a swap of fourth-round picks. If they stay at this spot, there would be nothing wrong with Forbes as the outcome. A second-team All-American who set an FBS record with six career interceptions returned for touchdowns, Forbes would bring ball-hawking ability and instincts to pair with fellow Mississippi State product Darius Slay. His 174-pound frame is considered a red flag. Look how that red flag worked out for 2021 first-round pick DeVonta Smith. — Berman

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Ahead of the draft, the Chiefs may lose veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie in free agency. By selecting Darnell Wright, the team could once again have competition in camp for the starting role, as Lucas Niang, the third-round pick in 2020, should be fully healthy after recovering from the torn left patellar tendon injury he sustained in early January 2022. Wright is known for his nasty playing style. If Wright continues to polish his techniques, he could follow the same impressive path as right guard Trey Smith, who has developed well in two seasons under offensive line coach Andy Heck. — Nate Taylor

Beyond Round 1
37. (Round 2) Los Angeles Rams: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Luke Musgrave fills a combination of need in the short term and long term for the Rams, as well as falling among the best players available at this pick. He’s 6-6 and 255 pounds, stupid fast for his size and agile, plus a huge target for quarterback Matthew Stafford and whoever comes after him. Adding a player like Musgrave automatically brings dimension to a passing game seriously lacking it in 2022. Starter Tyler Higbee is perennially banged up and in a contract year. I can also see the Rams going pass rusher here. — Jourdan Rodrigue

43. (Round 2) Cleveland Browns: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
With five wide receivers gone in the first round and still 11 picks in the second before the Browns make one, the Browns choose a position they both value and need. My best guess is the Browns either trade pick No. 43 for defensive line help in March or trade down from No. 43 during the second day of the draft, but for this exercise, I land on an intriguing pass rusher who could provide some immediate (and more long-term) production while playing opposite Myles Garrett. — Zac Jackson

52. (Round 2) Miami Dolphins: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
It’s hard to know if a cornerback the caliber of Cam Smith will still be available this deep into the second round, but if the Dolphins are so lucky, they’ll certainly take it. Drafting Smith allows the Dolphins to feel better about moving on from Byron Jones as a post-June cap cut ($13.6 million in cap savings with $4.7 million in dead money). Smith also allows for the Dolphins and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to start planning for life after Xavien Howard. Howard will play next season at 30 before his cap number climbs to almost $26 million in 2024. Miami needs to start finding young answers in the secondary, and Smith can be one. He is a highly competitive, athletic cornerback with good ball skills who went toe-to-toe with the best the SEC had to offer. — Jim Ayello

68. (Round 3) Denver Broncos: Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
The Broncos have multiple depth needs on the roster and little draft capital to fill them as a result of trades for quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton the past two offseasons. Still, it’s a safe bet that the Broncos will target the offensive line with one of their five picks given that they’ll have as many as three new starters next season. Matthew Bergeron, at 6-5 and 323 pounds, is the kind of versatile presence up front who could make sense. — Nick Kosmider

100. (Round 3) San Francisco 49ers: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
It’s tough to project who will be available when the 49ers are finally on the clock, assuming they don’t trade up from No. 99. But there’s a decent chance that Adetomiwa Adebawore, a 284-pounder who has the frame to pack on another 15 pounds, can be there as a versatile project for defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. Adebawore can play both end and 3-technique. The 49ers should look to bolster their interior rush by signing a quality veteran and drafting this developmental piece from Northwestern. — David Lombardi

[Bengals1]

I just don't see them going offense with either of our first two picks. They appear happy with both our starting Tackles and I believe they'll resign Hurst at TE.

I can see them drafting both a Tackle and a TE later in the draft for depth. But not in rounds one or two.

I still say DL and/or CB will be our first two picks this year. Let's see what, if anything they do in Free Agency.

[Joe Bananas]

Banks (CB) wouldn't be a bad pick for us. He's big. 6'2 205 corner. But right now I like Forbes (CB) better. Had a helluva year had 14 total ints in 3 years at Mississippi. 6 went back for TDs. But only thing I don't care much a out Forbes is he only 180 pounds. But he's a ball hawking corner.

[MeatHeadbengal]

Banks (CB) wouldn't be a bad pick for us. He's big. 6'2 205 corner. But right now I like Forbes (CB) better. Had a helluva year had 14 total ints in 3 years at Mississippi. 6 went back for TDs. But only thing I don't care much a out Forbes is he only 180 pounds. But he's a ball hawking corner.

I don't think that should be an issue, if he's a CB he's a CB we aren't trying to find LB's to play CB. I'll take a ball hawk 180 CB any day of the week.

[Joe Bananas]

Banks (CB) wouldn't be a bad pick for us. He's big. 6'2 205 corner. But right now I like Forbes (CB) better. Had a helluva year had 14 total ints in 3 years at Mississippi. 6 went back for TDs. But only thing I don't care much a out Forbes is he only 180 pounds. But he's a ball hawking corner.

I don't think that should be an issue, if he's a CB he's a CB we aren't trying to find LB's to play CB. I'll take a ball hawk 180 CB any day of the week.

Agree. I was just thinking of the physical aspect of our division/ conference and what can of tackler he is to begin with. Not sure.

[MeatHeadbengal]

Banks (CB) wouldn't be a bad pick for us. He's big. 6'2 205 corner. But right now I like Forbes (CB) better. Had a helluva year had 14 total ints in 3 years at Mississippi. 6 went back for TDs. But only thing I don't care much a out Forbes is he only 180 pounds. But he's a ball hawking corner.

I don't think that should be an issue, if he's a CB he's a CB we aren't trying to find LB's to play CB. I'll take a ball hawk 180 CB any day of the week.

Agree. I was just thinking of the physical aspect of our division/ conference and what can of tackler he is to begin with. Not sure.

Antoine Windfield Sr, was 5'9" 180 and the toughest SOB to every play CB. I'm not too worried.

[Bengals1]

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar just put out a fresh three-round mock that has the Bengals standing still at No. 28 and taking Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer.

Mayer is a very common pick for the Bengals and with Hayden Hurst, Mitchell Wilcox and Drew Sample all free agents, it makes sense. The team would really like to get more explosive at the position to mix up the schemes more. That said, it’s a very deep class they could find value at in any of the first three rounds.

Here’s what the Bengals do in the second and third rounds:

60. Cincinnati Bengals: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

92. Cincinnati Bengals: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Brents was on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list entering 2022 and as a redshirt senior, is just what the Bengals like in terms of experience and leadership. With Chidobe Awuzie still recovering from an injury and Eli Apple a free agent, cornerback still feels like a must.

And as much as Bengals fans might want to see the team use a first-rounder on the offensive line, especially with La’el Collins not a guarantee to be ready for the season, a weak overall class might mean a prospect like Matthew Bergeron and a free-agent addition or two is the only realistic way to solve the problems up front.

[stripesincarolina]

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar just put out a fresh three-round mock that has the Bengals standing still at No. 28 and taking Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer.

Mayer is a very common pick for the Bengals and with Hayden Hurst, Mitchell Wilcox and Drew Sample all free agents, it makes sense. The team would really like to get more explosive at the position to mix up the schemes more. That said, it’s a very deep class they could find value at in any of the first three rounds.

Here’s what the Bengals do in the second and third rounds:

60. Cincinnati Bengals: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

92. Cincinnati Bengals: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Brents was on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list entering 2022 and as a redshirt senior, is just what the Bengals like in terms of experience and leadership. With Chidobe Awuzie still recovering from an injury and Eli Apple a free agent, cornerback still feels like a must.

And as much as Bengals fans might want to see the team use a first-rounder on the offensive line, especially with La’el Collins not a guarantee to be ready for the season, a weak overall class might mean a prospect like Matthew Bergeron and a free-agent addition or two is the only realistic way to solve the problems up front.

Ignoring the rest of this spitballing, how in the hell is Collins not going to be ready for the season??? Unacceptable.