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 3.0.
Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft 3.0
*Denotes compensatory pick
Round One (Pick 18) – OT | JC Latham / Alabama
Even with the recent signing of Trent Brown, the Bengals would be sprinting to the podium to turn their section in for one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class in JC Latham. The former Bama product was stellar at right tackle in 2023 and hits Cincinnati in the perfect spot with a need at that position. Latham started all 13 games in 2023 at right tackle (25 for his career), had 41 knockdown blocks across 813 snaps of his junior campaign, and somehow only allowed two sacks in 408 pass sets. Latham can still provide value in heavy formations his rookie season and not be rushed into action too soon to protect Joe Burrow coming off injury.
Round Two (Pick 49) – WR | Ladd McConkey / Georgia
No other player has seen their stock rise more since the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama than Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Bengals are historically one of the best drafting teams at wide receiver and they’ve had success taking them in the second round. McConkey would be a day-one starter and provide a matchup nightmare for opposing teams trying to defend Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and recently acquired Mike Gesicki.
Round Three (Pick 80) – OG | Christian Mahogany / Boston College
Christian Mahogany is a fly-under-the-radar type prospect from Boston College who has the ideal size for a guard at 6’3″, 314 pounds with 33.5-inch arms. The power he possesses in the run game is his calling card and he still needs to be more consistent, but would be a welcome addition to push third-year player Cordell Volson at left guard. The Bengals desperately need depth along the offensive line and this pick would go a long way in providing it.
*Round Three (Pick 97) – RB | Blake Corum / Michigan
Thanks to an error in the compensatory pick formula, the NFL granted the Bengals an extra third-round pick. With one of the last picks of the round, they select Blake Corum from Michigan. Cincinnati is looking for their running backs to excel in pass blocking as evident in signing Zack Moss and releasing Joe Mixon last week. Courm is a well-balanced compact back who uses his small frame to his advantage to fit in small spaces along the offensive line. He can be a three-down back and has good hands while being above-average in picking up the blitz. He would pair nicely with incumbent Chase Brown and the newly acquired Moss.
Round Four (Pick 115) – DT | DeWayne Carter / Duke
The Bengals defensive tackle sweet spot is headlined by one of the best fourth-round picks in the team’s history, Geno Atkins. The need for a solid run stuffer is clear for Cincinnati with the recent departure of DJ Reader. Enter, DeWayne Carter from Duke who was a three-time captain with leadership skills that head coach Zac Taylor will love. Carter is best suited for a one-gap scheme that can accentuate his talents. He has a good motor, a willingness to push the pocket, and uses great technique to clog the middle against the run.
Round Five (Pick 149) – TE | Jaheim Bell / Florida State
Getting a player the caliber of Jaheim Bell would be an absolute dream for the Bengals at pick 149 overall. Bell is a little undersized for a modern TE but has the intelligence and toughness required to be successful in the NFL. He also runs well, can go up and make contested catches, and can line up in a variety of alignments.
Round Six (Pick 194) – S | Thomas Harper / Notre Dame
Thomas Harper from Notre Dame feels appropriately slotted in the sixth round. A willing tackler who is strong for his size could be a depth piece for the Bengals in year one. Harper also has good quickness and instincts that are necessary for the safety position.
*Round Six (Pick 214) – S | Sione Vaki / Utah
The Bengals double-dip at safety with the selection of Sione Vaki from Utah. Vaki is a very intriguing player who has impressive college experience playing running back. He’s an excellent athlete who can also play special teams and, in his original safety role. Cincinnati loves players who have positional flexibility and Vaki would certainly fit that mold.
Round Seven (Pick 224) From Houston – CB | Myles Harden / South Dakota
Myles Harden comes from South Dakota where he finished as a team captain. He’s an aggressive and strong player at 5’11”, 195 pounds who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Harden’s competitive nature will help him immensely at the next level and may cover some warts in areas he’s lacking.
Round Seven (Pick 237) – EDGE | Nelson Ceaser / Houston
Just like our Bengals Mock 2.0, we get EDGE Nelson Ceaser here again with our last pick in the seventh round. He had a very productive career at Houston and plays with great athleticism to go with his high motor. Ceaser is a well-built 6’3″, 250 pounds, and would likely redshirt his first season in stripes while learning behind veterans Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.
*Stats and research provided courtesy of the Pro Football Network (PFN) and The Draft Network (TDN)
Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
