Three realistic options for Bengals at pick No. 28
The Bengals already have a roster set to make another Super Bowl run with the 2023 NFL Draft still ahead. Here are three realistic options Cincinnati could go with at pick No. 28.
TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Mayer seems to be the fan favorite, and although the team signed TE Irv Smith Jr. in free agency, he would certainly be an upgrade and the clear long-term option.
Adding the 21-year-old to the Bengals roster would be a case of the rich getting richer, and he already said that his favorite team is the Bengals and his favorite player is QB Joe Burrow.
The Notre Dame product ranks as Pro Football Focus's No. 19 overall prospect and the second-best tight end on its big board after totaling 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2021-22.
"Mayer is as polished a tight end as you'll see in the draft," PFF writes.
Offensive tackle Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Cincinnati has a decision to make at right tackle and Wright could be the answer. La'el Collins told reporters Monday that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from his torn ACL and MCL but the timeline is still unknown.
The 21-year-old could fill in right away and maybe even permanently take Collins' spot by the time he's fully healthy.
Wright ranks as PFF's No. 22 overall prospect and the fourth-best offensive lineman.
"His tape against Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. was outstanding, as he allowed only one pressure in that game and eight for the season," PFF notes.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
A lot of people are against drafting running backs in the first round, but Gibbs could be the pick if the Bengals are ready to move on from RB Joe Mixon, who has had a noisy offseason thus far.
Running back Bijan Robinson will likely be long gone by the time Cincinnati picks and there's a strong belief that both backs will go in the first round.
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