The Cincinnati Bengals have had notable success in the NFL Draft recently, securing impactful players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jessie Bates, Germaine Pratt, and Logan Wilson, even beyond the initial rounds. The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft presents another opportunity for them to uncover hidden talents who could contribute immediately.
Given the draft’s depth, the Bengals are optimistic about discovering valuable additions later on, potentially aiding their quest for another Super Bowl appearance. Among the prospects, Oregon’s Bucky Irving and Ohio State’s Cade Stover stand out as potential Day 2 or later selections.
Bucky Irving appears to be an ideal fit for the Bengals due to several reasons. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, Irving poses a significant challenge for defenders, evident from his impressive 51 missed tackles forced in 2023, ranking among the best nationwide.
Irving’s versatility extends to his receiving abilities out of the backfield, having caught 87 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns in his two seasons at Eugene. While not extensively utilized as a deep threat, Irving’s agility after the catch and reliable hands make him a valuable asset in the passing game.
The Bengals could benefit greatly from Irving’s skill set, alleviating pressure on Joe Burrow. Although Joe Mixon has performed well as a running back, his declining effectiveness as a rusher, indicated by metrics like yards per carry and breakaway run rate, suggests room for improvement. While Chase Brown, drafted last year, showed promise, his performance fell short compared to Irving’s versatility and receiving prowess.
Addressing the running back position stands out as a significant area for improvement for the Bengals in 2024, and Bucky Irving presents an enticing solution that aligns well with their offensive needs
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