Bengals 2024 Mock Draft:
Rd 1, Pk 18: DT – Byron Murphy
The perfect pick for the Bengals outside of a surprise Brock Bowers freefall. Murphy is a bit undersized, but is an outstanding athlete with an array of rush moves that make him a consistent threat to get to the QB. He is also stronger than his size would indicate, and can still make plays against the run.
Rd 2, Pk 49: G – Christian Haynes
Haynes has the makings of a starting G, thanks largely to his size. He is a mauler that will pave big running lanes for the ball carrier. Athleticism is good, but maybe not great. Still, he is able to hold his own out in space. Haynes moves people as both a pass rusher and run blocker. He possesses the strength to plough them right out of the way in the run game, and to move people forward, even as a pass protector. His limited length and older age may cause teams to have second thoughts about him, but overall, I think Haynes can be a quality starter in the NFL, at a position the Bengals are lacking in.
Rd 3, Pk 80: OT – Kiran Amegadjie
Amegadije is a prospect that will bring a lot of upside. There is a nice blend of size, strength, power, and athleticism, giving him the profile of an eventual starter in the NFL. However, he will first have to adjust to the NFL level. And coming from a lower level program, the jump will certainly be a challenge. Amegadije will need to improve his hand technique, and his footwork could be a bit smoother as well, but the Bengals can better afford to be patient after signing Trent Brown.
Rd 3, Pk 97: WR – Jermaine Burton
Burton isn’t the biggest or strongest guy, but he is a smooth athlete with the speed to threaten on all three levels. His precise route running stands out, and should translate into immediate NFL production. His natural ability as a pass catcher is another element of his game that should translate to early success at the next level. Burton is a day 1 prospect that falls due to reported character concerns. But worth the risk at the end of round 3.
Rd 4, Pk 115: DT – T’Vondre Sweat
Sweat is a high end NT prospect that should be able to contribute, at least as a rotational player, right away. He is arguably the best NT to enter the draft since Dexter Lawrence back in 2019. His natural size, length, and strength give him the ability to bully opponents when matched up 1 on 1, hold his ground against double teams, and get off of blocks when he has to. Sweat is already highly effective against the run, and his ability to push the pocket gives him more to offer than most NT’s. He has some athletic limitations, but that usually comes with the position. He is someone that should be a starter within the next year or two, and some development to his technique could really take his game to the next level. Sweat is a day 2 prospect that falls to day 3 after an arrest a couple of weeks before the draft. The pick comes with some risk, but is good value in the 4th
Rd 5, Pk 149: CB – Nehemiah Pritchett
Pritchett brings a lot of upside thanks to his elite athleticism and coverage talent. He has good ball skills and the instincts to make plays. However, he will need to get a lot stronger, not only to handle more physical NFL receivers, but also to improve his tackling, which has been an issue. The good thing is that his issues are correctable. In time, I’d expect Pritchett to be starting.
Rd 6, Pk 194: TE – Tanner McLachlan
McLachlan has the upside to be a high end starting TE in the NFL. He already has the tools to contribute as a receiver, thanks to his strong hands, catch radius, and athleticism. The flashes have been there as a blocker. But his frame is lean at this point. Getting stronger will hopefully allow him to maintain a higher level of consistency as a blocker, while also improving certain aspects of his game as a pass catcher. If he can keep his development going on an upward slope, the potential is there for McLachlan to be an impact player at TE, from both the slot and the in-line position.
Rd 6, Pk 214: WR – Anthony Gould
Gould is a small receiver who thrives on his athleticism, but can be held back when more physicality is involved. He has the speed to threaten vertically, and also has the quickness and route running ability to create an abundance of separation on in-breaking routes. His YAC ability is a cherry on top. He has ability on the boundary, but I could see Gould ending up in the slot, where he can take advantage of more free releases. In any event, he is someone that should have a role as a dynamic playmaker at the next level. May have some growing pains early on as he transitions to the pro game, but he should be an eventual starter, despite flying under the radar during the draft process.
Rd 7, Pk 224: DT – Khristian Boyd
Boyd is built like a run stuffing NT, but plays like a 3T that is there to rush the passer. And this isn’t just a stylistic observation. Boyd actually is a very effective pass rusher. His athleticism for his size is very impressive. The hope here is that the Bengals could also tap into the additional upside that comes with his size. Playing with better technique could unlock a new side to his game, and make him a complete player. Even as a small school prospect, I like the floor, and I love the upside for the Bengals.
Rd 7, Pk 237: C – Jacob Monk
Monk is a worthwhile mid-late round developmental option at C or G. I love not only his athleticism, but the demeanor that he plays the game with. He will need to get stronger in order to back up the forceful style that he likes to play, and matchup better against some of the bigger players he’ll face on the inside. Technical improvements will also have to be made. But overall, he offers the potential to be a good depth player that can play multiple positions, with a shot at starting if things go right.
Homescreen Image Via: swimfinfan (CC)