The Bengals are anticipated to move up in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire a top-tier offensive talent, as reported by a prominent publication.
Following their defeat in the Super Bowl and facing another triumph by their main interdivisional rival, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially kicked off their 2024 offseason endeavors. While the previous season didn’t unfold as expected by both fans and the team, the next six months will be dedicated to reshaping the roster with the aim of contending for a Super Bowl in the forthcoming postseason. At this juncture, Cincinnati is grappling with the perennial offseason dilemma: whether to adopt a conservative approach or pursue more aggressive measures.
Sports Illustrated Makes Audacious Mock Draft Projection for Bengals
In a recent Mock Draft released on Saturday morning, Sports Illustrated (SI) made a daring forecast for Cincinnati in the 2024 NFL Draft. According to SI, the Bengals are looking to trade up from their 18th Overall Pick to the 12th spot to secure tight end Brock Bowers from the University of Georgia. Bowers, currently ranked as the 6th best prospect by ESPN, has garnered attention with his performances for the Bulldogs over the past several seasons.
While Sports Illustrated doesn’t offer specifics on trade details, it’s probable that moving up six spots in the top half of the first round would necessitate Cincinnati relinquishing either a second-round pick or a first-round pick in the following season. The Denver Broncos, positioned at 12th, might eagerly accept such an offer, especially given the disappointment stemming from their acquisition of Russell Wilson in the 2022 offseason, which has proven to be a debacle. Surrendering consecutive seasons of top draft picks for Wilson has left the Broncos roster lacking in youthful talent.
However, Cincinnati should approach this proposed trade with caution. Despite Brock Bowers’ exceptional athleticism, the diminishing significance of the tight end position in modern football suggests that Bowers may slide beyond the 12th overall pick. Sacrificing valuable draft assets for a position of relatively lower priority could be ill-advised. Notably, Cincinnati hasn’t placed significant emphasis on the tight end position since Tyler Eifert’s standout 2015 season, which was followed by his subsequent decline in later years.
