Way-too-early Bengals 2023 NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. 

2022 record: 12-4 | Projected first-round pick: No. 27 | Team needs: TE, LB, OT

Snapshot: The Bengals must continue to build around QB Joe Burrow while he's still on his rookie deal. Cincinnati is a team to envy as its Super Bowl window will be wide open for years to come. 

Potential first-round picks: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame; Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson; Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

It will likely take a trade up for the Bengals to draft Mayer, but it would certainly be worth it. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder seems to be one of the safer picks in the draft. He had 809 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, and with TE Hayden Hurst's contract about to expire, Mayer would be a plug-and-play on Day 1.

Per Pro Football Focus: Mayer "also works his backside off in the run game."

If Cincinnati can't get Mayer, Simpson may be the way to go.

The Clemson star is a great modern coverage linebacker with experience playing in the slot and box. LB Germaine Pratt's contract expires at the end of this season. If the team doesn't re-sign him, pairing Simpson with fellow LB Logan Wilson would create quite the duo.

Earlier this season, Bengals tackle La'el Collins suffered a torn  ACL and MCL and faces a long road to recovery. Due to his injury, Cincinnati must have an offensive tackle on its radar this offseason.

Harrison could be a great addition if the Bengals decide to go offensive line early. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder would provide depth at the position, but his technique isn’t quite dialed in yet, per PFF.