Mel Kiper has Bengals going DT and WR in latest 2-round mock draft

We are currently in a period of relative calm before the storm. Free agency activities have slowed down as all 32 NFL teams gear up for the upcoming draft. Now, all that’s left to do is wait.

During this waiting period, many NFL enthusiasts are engrossed in creating and devouring NFL Mock Drafts.

Renowned draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., a key figure in the draft process for a long time, recently unveiled his latest two-round NFL mock draft.

In his predictions, Kiper suggests that the Cincinnati Bengals will utilize the No. 18 overall pick to select the top interior pass rusher in the upcoming draft, Byron Murphy II from the Texas Longhorns.

Kiper noted, “As of now, assuming the Bengals retain wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was franchise-tagged but expressed his desire for a trade last month, focusing on strengthening a defense that ranked last in the league in both yards per play allowed (6.0) and yards per pass attempt allowed (8.1) last season could be a priority.”

Murphy excelled in pressuring quarterbacks in the Big 12 last season, registering 33 QB pressures while predominantly playing along the interior line. Known for his lightning-quick snap off, he is regarded as the premier 3-technique tackle in this draft class.

Following the departure of DJ Reader in free agency, the Bengals have yet to find a replacement. However, they did bring in Sheldon Rankins, a 3-technique defensive tackle known for his interior pass-rushing skills. With Rankins on board, the team looks to fortify its inside pass rush, an area that has been lacking since the departure of Geno Atkins.

If the Bengals select Murphy in the first round, he would join a rotation with Rankins and BJ Hill. This setup would enhance the team’s pass rush, particularly in passing situations, working alongside defensive ends Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and possibly Myles Murphy, their previous first-round pick, to apply pressure while maintaining coverage options.

Regarding the wide receiver position, Kiper envisions the Bengals addressing the WR3 spot with the No. 49 overall pick by selecting Michigan’s Roman Wilson, rather than relying on last year’s draftees, Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas.

By adding a player like Wilson, who brings speed and playmaking ability to the offense, alongside mainstays Higgins and Chase, the Bengals’ offensive firepower would be strengthened.

While the draft strategy of focusing on a defensive tackle and wide receiver in the first two rounds is promising, it overlooks other urgent needs such as right tackle post-2024 and lack of depth at the cornerback position.

These unmet needs could potentially be addressed post-draft through free agency; however, acquiring young and cost-effective talent during the draft is crucial.

The question arises whether passing on positions like offensive tackle, tight end, or defensive back in the early rounds to secure players like Murphy and Wilson would be a sound strategy for the Bengals.