The Cincinnati Bengals will strive to supplement their roster in the 2024 NFL Draft with players who can help them win games in the rugged AFC North. The team has several positions that need to be bolstered if they want to make another run at a divisional title. Protecting Joe Burrow should still be priority number one. Following getting assistance on the offensive line is upgrading the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Fortifying both lines is never a bad idea, especially in today’s NFL. Finally, they desperately need a dynamic pass-catching tight end to take the Burrow offense to the next level. Let’s take a look at the Bengals Mock Draft 2.0.
LWONFL Mock Draft – Version 1.0
Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft 2.0
*Denotes projected compensatory pick
Round One (Pick 18) – DT | Jer’Zhan Newton / Illinois
Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton is arguably the best defensive tackle in this draft class and hits the Bengals at a huge position of need in 2024. Cincinnati was dreadful in run defense last season, even with stalwart DJ Reader clogging up the middle. Newton was named the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and has an explosive first step to go with his compact and powerful frame. He will look to continue the trend of diminutive defensive tackles like Aaron Donald and Calijah Kancey who have been fantastic at the next level. Newton would provide a huge boost in bolstering the Bengals run defense and interior pressure if Reader leaves in free agency.
Round Two (Pick 49) – C | Jackson Powers-Johnson / Oregon
In this draft run, we snagged Powers-Johnson at 49 so we ran to the podium to turn our pick in. The former Oregon product boosted his stock in the Senior Bowl practices and is a powerful mauler at the center position. He often wins with an explosive first step and follows it up with very fluid moment when reaching the second level. Powers-Johnson is a naturally strong player who also excels in pass protection and will only get better with time as he’s a young player at only 21 years old on draft day.
Round Three (Pick 80) – S | Callen Bullock / USC (California)
A slightly risky pick at 80 for USC safety Callen Bullock but we’re betting on potential from the Trojans star. Bullock has great size and length at 6’3″ but must add weight to his 190-pound frame. A First Team All-American per Pro Football Focus and an AP All-Pac-12 First Team, Bullock plays with good range and physicality and could aid the Bengals secondary in his rookie season. Cincinnati isn’t afraid to take a safety past the first, two rounds and Bullock would fit in nicely in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Round Four (Pick 115) – TE | Cade Stover / Ohio State
In our Bengals Mock Draft 1.0 we took Stover in the third round, and this time, we are thrilled to get him a round later. The Bengals will be in the market for a pass-catching tight end and depending on how their board falls, they might seriously consider Georgia star Brock Bowers at 18 overall. In this projection, Bowers was taken in the top 17 so we stick with a very good player in Stover who could contribute from jump in Cincinnati.
Round Five (Pick 147) – DT | Jordan Jefferson / LSU
The Bengals have no problem double-dipping at positions in their draft strategy and continue that model here in taking a DT that can fit into any scheme in Jordan Jefferson from LSU. The lateral agility is what stands out with Jefferson and he’s a very smart player who has the positional versatility the Bengals covet. He’d pair extremely well with Newton by creating a nightmare for teams trying to run the ball and would fit in nicely in the rugged AFC North.
Round Six (Pick 174) – WR | Luke McCaffrey / Rice
The pedigree of the McCaffrey family is unmatched in NFL circles. Luke is the son of longtime Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed, and he’s the brother of San Francisco 49ers standout, Christian. A First Team All-AAC and Team Captain in 2023, McCaffrey is an instinctual route runner with fantastic hands from the slot. He often wins with a quick release and his leadership skills will put him high in Zac Taylor’s favor as players he looks to build a locker room culture around.
*Round Six (Pick 195) – LB | Marist Liufau / Notre Dame
Liufau had a solid career at Notre Dame and was named a Butkus Award semifinalist in 2023. He has pretty good size at 6’2″ and 240 pounds and is a smart, versatile player who isn’t afraid to blitz when called upon. He does have some concerns when playing the run and with the angles, he takes in pursuit. Rounds five and six seem to be the sweet spot for Liufau and he would likely start his career on special teams while learning behind veterans for a season.
Round Seven (Pick 234) – WR | Joshua Cephus / UTSA
Cephus looks to make a name for himself after attending the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was the school’s all-time leading receiver. The Bengals love to take wide receivers they can mold into serviceable players, like last year when they took Charlie Jones in the fourth round and sixth-round standout, Andrei Iosivas. Cephus has a good height at 6’2″ but is a little on the light side at only 185 pounds. An NFL strength and conditioning program should help him add weight that will help accentuate his balanced route running ability. Cephus also excels in getting yards after the catch when the ball is in his hands. This will only add to his value when he sees playing time.
*Round Seven (Pick 251) – EDGE | Nelson Ceaser / Houston
Selecting Nelson Ceaser at the end of the seventh round seems absurd and is a no-brainer pick for an EDGE player of his caliber. He had a very productive career at Houston and plays with great athleticism to go with his high motor. At 6’3″, 250 pounds he’s also quick off the ball and has experience as a rushing linebacker which could up his stock on draft day.
*Stats and research provided courtesy of the Pro Football Network (PFN) and The Draft Network (TDN)
Main Photo Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
