Three realistic options for Bengals at pick No. 28

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.

The 21-year-old ranks as PFF's No. 34 overall prospect and the second-best running back after posting 1,370 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns in 2022.

"Gibbs is a home run waiting to happen-- not only on the ground, but also through the air," PFF writes.