Bengals Mock Draft
Rd 1-28
Anton Harrison, Oklahoma RT
Todd: Oklahoma turns out NFL Pro Bowl tackles and Anton Harrison could be another one to add to the list. Harrison is big, strong, and plays aggressive. Aka, he’s a glass-eater. Boasting a 4.98 40-time to match his 315lb large frame, he embodies the new-age athletic OT mold to a T. The thing I like about him the most is that he’s technically sound, whether it’s extending a play downfield in an open-lane or a 1 on 1 with an edge rusher, Harrison shows the ability to go toe to toe with the best of them. Fast hands, big frame, and speed? Not much more to say here.
Corey: For the Bengals the offensive line rebuild continues. The (literally) big splash of Orlando Brown Jr is great but they still have questions at Right Tackle. Harrison is big, quick and YOUNG. Just barely old enough to buy a six-pack, this is a coach's dream. Having someone to anchor the right side of that line and still be fast and strong enough to be effective in the running game makes this pick a no-brainer.
Rd 2-60
Emmanuel Forbes Jr, Mississippi St CB
Todd: Being gifted this strong and fast CB at 60 is a gift from the Mock Draft Gods themselves. A 2nd team All American, Forbes earned his stripes with the other Bulldogs of the SEC by creating big plays with his strong hands, explosive speed, and ability to embrace space on the field. While being listed at 166 lbs, Forbes doesn’t steer away from getting in the trenches. Look for the Bengals to add 10-15 lbs of size on his lean frame, turning him into a tenured force in the NFL.
Corey: This pick fell right into our hands here as we added some depth to the Bengal’s corner room. Chido and CTB are your day one starters, but you need at least 4 corners on your roster that you’re comfortable with getting meaningful snaps. Forbes is tall with great ball skills but the biggest thing that jumps off the tape for me is his willingness and ability to tackle in the open field. Reminds me a lot of CTB and I think the Bengals absolutely have a “type”.
Rd 3-92
Sam LaPorta, Iowa TE
Todd: Another Tight End from the factory in Iowa City, LaPorta fills the need at TE with great value here at 92. Not stretching to draft a Kincaid, Mayer, or even Darnell Washington, the Bengals get a TE with soft hands and ability to beat a LB or a DB in most scenarios. The Bengals snagging Irv Smith on a 1-year deal and solidifying the blocking TE spot with Asiasi and Drew Sample, they can add another weapon into Burrow’s arsenal that will create a unique mismatch in the Bengals short-game offense.
Corey: The only way you draft a Tight End in the 1st round is if they become Kelce, Kittle or Andrews. The odds of that happening are low.. Very low. Also, go check where those guys were drafted. Quick burst speed and no pressure to make an immediate impact make this a great addition and investment in the TE position for the long term.
Rd 4-131
Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh RB
Todd: Bengals fans, get ready to buy this jersey from the Pro Shop. A RB who will turn 21 in the middle of the season, Israel is an electric RB who amassed over 1,400 yards this season, with 320 of those coming against the Hokies (the game that put him on the map). Abanikanda is a force on all levels of the field, honing a great accelerator off the snap and ability to break through multiple tackling attempts. He also showed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, posting 12 yds/catch over 12 receptions. Corey and I love this guy and Bengals fans will too.
Corey: It’s pretty clear that the Bengals and Joe Mixon parting ways is just a matter of time. I agree with The ToddFather on this one. Most scouts are saying his top end speed and acceleration is that of a Dodge Viper. I can already hear Dan Hoard screaming “there goes Izzy!” on the call.
Rd 5-163
Rashad Torrence II, Florida S
Todd: Torrence II is an interesting move here at 163. A surprise early declare for the 2023 draft, Torrence II doesn’t have a ton of film to support what his prototype is as an NFL safety. With a near 200 lb build, size is not an issue for Torrence. Torrence makes his money in the trenches, making the essential tackles. Torrence also showed he can alleviate the big play with his quick reaction times and long strides to stretch the field. Look for Torrence is a Special Teams role where he can showcase his open-field tackling and ability to find the ball.
Corey: Bengals fans fondly remember the Vonn Bell play on Juju a few years back on MNF. Torrence seemingly has one of those plays every 2 weeks. The kid plays downhill at all times and has zero qualms coming down field to put a hat on someone. With Bell headed to the Panthers in free agency, this pick makes a lot of sense.
Rd 6-206
Aidan O’Connell, Purdue QB
Todd and Corey: Is it a sexy pick? No. Is it a necessary pick? Yes. Corey and Todd agreed that grabbing an accurate pass thrower like O’Connell here in the 6th round gives the Bengals the chance to have a backup for Burrow that isn’t going to require an overhaul of the offense in an emergency. O’Connell has shown that he can execute in the first 2 levels of the field, which is all that’s required of him in this offense. The Bengals could also look to add Offensive Line or WR depth here, but we thought this one made a lot of sense.
Rd 7-246
Karl Brooks, Bowling Green DT
Todd: Now here’s a guy… But seriously, Brooks is a guy who loves to get to the Quarterback. With a 6’4” 295 lb build, he could line up on multiple levels of the line and be a disruptor. There’s nothing wrong with adding some power to a Defensive Line that’s going to require some depth before the start of the 2024 season.
Corey: The Bengals were one of the worst to get the QB in 2022. The way this mock played out, we couldn’t identify good value on the board for a pure edge rusher. At Bowling Green, Karl Brooks played all over the D-Line, but he translates to a 5-tech in the NFL. Explodes off the line with great hands and a motor that doesn’t stop.
