Bengals 2023 Draft Grades

The Bengals are coming off a season where they just missed getting back to their second straight Super Bowl. After some key losses in free agency, Cincinnati came into the draft looking to revamp their defensive backfield and continue to build depth across their offensive line. The Bengals made eight picks total, with one pick in the seventh round and two in the sixth. Now let’s take a look at how their moves graded out.

 

29th Overall Selection (Rd 1) – Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

I thought that the Bengals were going to go tight end with this pick, with two of the top three tight ends still on the board. Instead, they take the big edge rusher from Clemson. The Bengals are planning on facing the likes of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs, and this pick is all about trying to put pressure on those two. Murphy has good length and a high motor. He’ll be a great addition to the Bengals’ defensive line.

Grade: A

 

60th Overall Selection (Rd 2) – DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

The Bengals had some key losses in their secondary, so I’m not surprised to see that they stayed on the defensive side of the ball with their second pick. While Turner might lack the size needed to fight for the ball with bigger wide receivers, he’s a scrappy back that will be hard to get rid of. He posted the fastest 40 time at the combine this season, with a 4.26. DJ is technically sound and should be able to challenge for playing time immediately.

Grade: A-

 

95th Overall Selection (Rd 3) – Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

I was shocked when this pick was announced because I couldn’t believe that Battle was still on the board this late in the third round. Cincinnati lost Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell this offseason, so adding depth should have been a priority. Battle is a steal in my opinion. He’s instinctive and is solid in run support. I don’t know if he’ll start right away, but he should push Nick Scott and Dax Hill during camp.

Grade: A+

 

131st Overall Selection (Rd 4) – Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

Wide receiver isn’t a position that Cincinnati has to be too worried about, they have one of the best rooms in the league. But, you can’t pay everyone so it never hurts to build depth beforehand. Jones is an excellent route runner, with reliable hands. He could be a solid slot option, while he continues to develop.

Grade: A

 

163rd Overall Selection (Rd 5) – Chase Brown, RB, Illinois

Chase Brown was a prospect that I enjoyed studying prior to the draft. He’s got solid speed, with an excellent burst, and can be a threat as a pass-catching option coming out of the backfield. He will need to improve on his pass blocking to make sure that his quarterback stays healthy.

Grade: A

 

206th Overall Selection (Rd 6) – Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

Once you get to this point in the draft, you’re just looking for potential. I mentioned getting depth in the wide receiver room before, and Iosivas looked to be an interesting developmental guy that has good potential. At 6’3″ and 205 pounds, he’s got a solid frame and uses it well to contest 50-50 balls. He was also a three-time Ivy League champion in the heptathlon and ran the fastest ever 60m (6.71) in the NCAA heptathlon during the 2022 indoor championships.

Grade: A+

 

217th Overall Selection (Rd 6) – Brad Robbins, P, Michigan

I love this pick, simply for the drama that it’ll bring to the punter competition this offseason. Brad Robbins, from Michigan, will compete for a roster spot against four-year veteran Drue Chrisman from… Ohio State! You can’t make this up!

Grade: A+ (for bringing excitement to a punter battle)

 

246th Overall Selection (Rd 7) – DJ Ivey, CB, Miami (FL)

A developmental prospect with good length and good top-end speed.

Grade: B+

 

Bengals 2023 NFL Draft Final Thoughts

Overall, I feel like this was a quality draft for the Bengals. Early on they focused on getting quality players on the defensive side of the ball, all of which should help out in some fashion year 1. The later picks were all solid depth pieces, with the potential to develop into key contributors in the future. The Bengals reload and are ready to compete for another conference title.

Overall Draft Grade: A

 

Bengals 2023 Draft Grades Analyst – Brandon Claburn