No matter how you feel about the players, the Cincinnati Bengals absolutely took care of their biggest needs through three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
A right tackle of the future, two run-stuffing defensive tackles, and a vertical threat at wide receiver are all on the roster now. Thre glaring holes have been filled, and they still have six picks to spare.
Here are the three biggest needs the Bengals have yet to address.
1. Cornerback
It's looking more and more likely that Dax Hill is the fourth cornerback on this roster after the Bengals passed on the position with their first four picks. Another true corner would be great to add behind DJ Turner II and Cam Taylor-Britt.
The end of the draft is when the Bengals look for cornerback help if they don't find it early on. Any of their last four picks in the sixth and seventh rounds could be a corner.
Potential options: Arkansas CB Dwight McGlothern, Penn State CB Kalen King, Mississippi State CB Decamerion Richardson
2. Interior offensive line
Finding a potential Ted Karras replacement always felt like an early Day 3 task. Cincinnati will be on the lookout for a player with guard-center flexibility who can back up all three interior spots this season.
The fourth round has been when the Bengals take these swings. It's a fair expectation now as well.
Potential options: Boston College G Christian Mahogany, South Dakota State G Mason McCormick, Miami C Matt Lee
3. Running back
Zack Moss and Chase Brown are atop the depth chart, but another reserve to battle Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans is needed to truly round out the group.
The Bengals haven't drafted a running back earlier than the fifth round since Zac Taylor took over as head coach in 2019. That's when we'll start looking.
Potential options: Kentucky RB Ray Davis, Purdue RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo
Other positions that could use some help
- Tight end: An extra blocking body to complement Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson is still needed, though it can wait until very late.
- Edge defender: Trey Hendrickson's trade request won't make the Bengals budge, but a long-term need exists at the position.
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