The Cincinnati Bengals aim to emphasize to the NFL that they possess a Super Bowl-worthy team with a fit Joe Burrow and a top-notch supporting crew.

Furthermore, as the Bengals approach the 2024 season, they are close to their Super Bowl appearance just two years ago. Both Burrow and Tee Higgins were dealing with injuries in the underwhelming 2023 season.

Cincinnati has strengthened their offensive and defensive lines while incorporating talented players in the secondary. However, they might turn to the NFL Draft to enhance Burrow’s options in the passing attack.

What strategies could the Cincinnati Bengals employ to support Joe Burrow in the upcoming NFL Draft?

Reuniting Tee Higgins with top-tier receiver Ja’Marr Chase forms a solid core for the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense as they aim for a comeback season with Joe Burrow leading the charge. However, enhancing the team with a dependable tight end who excels in catching passes and creating big plays after the catch could significantly expand Coach Zac Taylor’s playbook and present more opportunities for Burrow to shine. This scenario is depicted in the latest NFL Mock Draft by Pro Football Focus, which predicts the Bengals selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“It may be surprising to see Bowers drop to this point in the draft night,” notes Brad Spielberger from PFF. “In the previous year, the tight end group was highly anticipated, yet no player was chosen until the Buffalo Bills moved up to the 25th overall spot to pick Dalton Kincaid. Unlike last year, the current tight end class lacks depth, potentially leading to Bowers rising in the draft rankings as teams may recognize him as the standout top prospect at his position in this year’s class.

“Bowers is considered one of the greatest tight ends in college football history, although his adjustment to the NFL may be hindered by potential size issues. The Cincinnati Bengals have lacked a standout tight end since Tyler Eifert, and it would be logical to introduce another receiving option, especially with Tee Higgins reportedly requesting a trade this offseason.

Brock Bowers’ evaluation for the NFL Draft

It is highly believed that Brock Bowers could address a significant requirement for the Bengals and would undoubtedly thrive from the opportunities generated by Chase and Higgins expanding the field on the edges. Bowers, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 240 pounds, amassed 56 receptions for 714 yards and six touchdowns last season, maintaining an average of 12.8 yards per catch. Such performance would be a valuable enhancement to the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive strategy.

Picture introducing a talent like George Kittle into an offensive lineup with Joe Burrow quarterbacking the team, as this is the precise analogy drawn by NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein regarding B

“Described as a highly productive tight end with exceptional acceleration, speed, body control, and reliable hands that could inject fresh energy into a stagnant NFL offense,” Zierlein notes on NFL.com. “Bowers was a primary target at Georgia, leading the team in receiving yards throughout all three of his collegiate seasons. His relentless pace as a route runner enables him to outmaneuver man coverage and excel in finding openings in zone defenses for crucial first downs and significant gains.

“Bowers’ standout quality lies in his ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage after the catch. While he demonstrates proficiency as a mobile blocker and displays effort in engagements at the line of scrimmage, this aspect of his game falls slightly short of George Kittle’s caliber, for comparison. Despite being an explosive athlete, Bowers lacks the top-tier measurements typically seen in early first-round picks. Adjusting to defenders who possess greater size, speed, and reach may take him some time, yet he seems destined to evolve into a highly productive NFL player with Pro Bowl potential.”