2023 NFL Draft Predictions: Cincinnati Bengals Biggest Team Needs

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2022 NFL season with revenge on their mind. Coming off their Super Bowl loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bengals had one goal this year: win it all.

Unfortunately, the season got off to a poor start. Cincinnati lost two straight to start the year, with defeats coming against the Mitch Trubisky-led Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys. However, Cincinnati turned things around.

They won eight straight games to end the regular season with a 12-4 record. After winning their first two playoff matchups, the Bengals lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game 23-20. After making the Super Bowl a year ago, Cincinnati will have the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What Are The Cincinnati Bengals Biggest Needs On Offense?

The Bengals don’t have many needs on paper. However, the team needs to sign Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins to contract extensions this offseason. While Cincinnati has plenty of cap space, they still could make roster cuts to create more room for Burrow and Higgins’ extensions.

One potential cut casualty is Joe Mixon. The veteran running back had a disappointing 2022 year. More importantly, the team can save up to $10 million in salary cap space by cutting Mixon this offseason.

If the Bengals move on from the veteran running back, Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs could be the team’s first-round pick. Gibbs had 151 rushing attempts for 926 yards and seven touchdowns last season at Alabama. He added 44 receptions for 444 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.

While the stats are impressive, his performance on the field is more important. Gibbs will be an elite weapon in the NFL. His quickness and vision are excellent. Whether on the ground or in the receiving game, Gibbs will be a problem for opposing defenses.

What Are The Cincinnati Bengals Biggest Needs On Defense?

Cincinnati has several defensive backs hitting the open market this offseason, including both starting safeties. However, the team planned for this last year. They used multiple draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft in the secondary, including their first-round selection on safety Dax Hill.

The one area the team needs to address this offseason is linebacker. Germaine Pratt is a free agent next month. Furthermore, the Bengals have multiple linebackers set to be free agents in 2024, including Logan Wilson.

One potential draft target is Oregon’s Noah Sewell. The Duck linebacker had 218 tackles in his college career, including 20.5 for a loss. He would be an excellent Day 2 replacement for Pratt.

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