Three biggest concerns for Cincinnati Bengals before the draft

There isn't too much to worry about in Cincinnati these days after the Bengals have made it to back-to-back AFC Championship games as well as a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. However, as the team prepares to pay QB Joe Burrow, it did have to say goodbye to some of its key contributors. Here are the team's three biggest concerns.

1. Is Cincinnati confident in its secondary?

The Bengals lost both of their starting safeties, Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, in free agency, bringing upon the "dark day" defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo didn't want to think about.

Cincinnati responded by signing former Rams safety Nick Scott, who will play alongside safety Daxton Hill, its 2022 first0round pick, to a three-year, $12 million contract.

The team also added CB Sidney Jones IV on a one-year deal as CB Eli Apple remains a free agent. While CB Chidobe Awuzie is looking to have a comeback season after playing in just eight games in 2022 as well.

The secondary will certainly look very different in 2023. The question is whether it will be able to hold down the back end of the Bengals' underrated defense.

2. Who will be the starting right tackle?

Cincinnati signed right tackle La'el Collins to a three-year deal last offseason. However, after tearing his ACL and MCL late in the season, there is a big question of who will take over for Collins, at least until he is healthy.

Offensive tackle Jonah Williams would have solved the Bengals' issue but he has since requested a trade after the team signed Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency and Williams is not interested in moving to the right side.

The team will now need to add another free-agent offensive tackle or look to the 2023 NFL Draft to address the position.

3. What is the Bengals' plan for tight end?

The Bengals signed TE Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year contract late Monday night. The team needed to add to the room after it lost TE Hayden Hurst in free agency, but is Smith Jr. the answer?

The 24-year-old has struggled to stay healthy, playing in just eight games in 2022 and missing all of the 2021 season. Smith Jr. had just 25 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns in his fourth season.

Cincinnati could still select a tight end with its first pick in the draft, as Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer seems to be the favorite, but nothing is guaranteed as the Bengals sit at pick No. 28.