Cincinnati currently holds the 18th pick in the first round.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round pick could go in a variety of directions, but we’ll finally know where it lands Thursday when the 2024 NFL Draft officially kicks off.
The offensive and defensive line could be in focus, but if Brock Bowers drops, there’s no reason the Bengals don’t find the impressive tight end from Georgia as a very strong option.
Wide receiver and cornerback also make sense and would be welcome additions.
That said, let’s dive into where the most recent mock drafts have Cincinnati looking with its first-round selection.
Pro Football Focus – Byron Murphy II — DT from Texas
Following the loss of DJ Reader in free agency, the Bengals need to shore up their interior defensive line. You couldn’t ask for a better fit with Murphy, who was the second-highest-graded interior defender (91.1) in college football last year. Murphy, given his strength and explosiveness off the line, brings more of a pass-rushing presence than most interior defender prospects.
NFL.com – Brian Thomas Jr. — WR from LSU
Tee Higgins recently told reporters that he expects to play in Cincinnati this season after all, seemingly squashing the trade request he issued in March shortly after receiving the franchise tag. If he and the Bengals are unable to work out a long-term deal before July’s deadline for tagged players, which could be tough to manage with Cincinnati also needing to pay Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins could be on a new team by this time next year. Adding yet another dynamic LSU playmaker to this offense could therefore pay dividends in the short- and long-term.
USA Today (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz) – Byron Murphy II — DT from Texas
Whether it’s more protection for Joe Burrow or an additional push on the interior, Cincinnati seems like a good bet to focus on bolstering one of its lines. While the 6-1, 297-pound Murphy isn’t the typical solution for a run defense that ranked 30th in allowing 4.7 yards per carry last season, he can still throw opposing attacks off balance by shooting gaps and creating havoc in the backfield.
USA Today (Nate Davis) – Brian Thomas Jr. — WR from LSU
The 6-3, 209-pounder put down a 4.33 40 at the combine in the wake of a season when he had 1,177 yards on 68 catches – a quarter of those receptions resulting in TDs. With Tyler Boyd unsigned and franchise-tagged Tee Higgins seeking a trade, good time to find a new Robin for Cincinnati’s Batman, Ja’Marr Chase, a Bayou Bengal himself.
CBS Sports – Olumuyiwa Fashanu — OT from Penn State
Cincinnati added Trent Brown this offseason, but the veteran tackle is on a one-year deal and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. With Fashanu still available, the Bengals to should be running to the podium to secure long-term protection for Joe Burrow.
Pro Football Network – Brock Bowers — TE from Georgia
The Bengals have not been able to fill their void at tight end adequately over the years, and Brock Bowers, if he makes it this far to them, would be tremendous value. The Georgia tight end has rare movement ability and acceleration for his position and would be an immediate starter for the Bengals.
FOX Sports – Byron Murphy II — DT from Texas
There’s been a bit of a run on offensive linemen, which is a bummer for the Bengals. But here’s guessing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo won’t be bummed to be drafting the best defensive tackle in this class. Murphy should be an immediate contributor to the Cincinnati pass rush.
Sportsnaut – Troy Fautanu — OL from Washington
With Joe Burrow on board, the Cincinnati Bengals can’t go wrong by addressing their offensive line here at 18 with Troy Fautanu. Capable of playing guard or tackle, Fautanu can compete for an interior starting spot as a rookie and slide to tackle when needed.
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