Bengals get incredible haul in ESPN 3-round mock draft

This would be an A+ haul.

We’re now under two weeks away from the 2024 NFL Draft kicking off.

Until then, we’ve got more mock draft projections to get an idea of who the Cincinnati Bengals could land at pick No. 18 and beyond.

Over at ESPN, Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. did a three-round mock draft in which they took turns making all 100 selections.

In this projection, the Bengals came away with what looks like an A+ draft class on paper that started with Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in Round 1.

Yates’ pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

This feels like a dream scenario for Cincinnati, which can continue to invest along the offensive line even after inking Trent Brown to a one-year deal. Fuaga epitomizes toughness on the field but also has nifty feet and agility to hold up as a pass-protector against speedy edge rushers.

The 6-foot-6, 324-pound Fuaga started in 12 games for Oregon State this past season, allowing just 12 hurries, two QB hits, and zero sacks. He’d be a fantastic prospect to develop on the right side while Trent Brown holds down the fort in 2024. But because Brown has struggled with injuries, Fuaga could easily be thrust into the starting lineup in Year 1.

The Consensus Big Board has Fuaga ranked No. 15 overall.

Another popular name for Cincinnati in mock drafts has been Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. By all accounts, he’d be a solid pick at No. 18 overall.

However, this projection has Newton falling all the way down to the Bengals in Round 2 at pick 49.

Kiper’s pick: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

I’m a little lower on Newton than a few NFL teams that think he will go in Round 1. But this feels like a solid fit and value for the Bengals, whose front seven had a tough 2023.

At 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, Newton is on the smaller side for defensive tackles, and the Bengals do need more of a big-bodied nose tackle type. Even so, Newton would be a great pick this late in the draft.

In 12 games last season, Newton had 52 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He was named a consensus All-American, the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year award winner, and the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year recipient.

The Consensus Big Board has Newton ranked No. 25 overall, so this would be tremendous value in Round 2.

Up next, the Bengals bolster their wide receiver room with UCF standout Javon Baker at pick No. 80 in Round 3.

Yates’ pick: Javon Baker, WR, UCF

With Tee Higgins’ future in Cincinnati still a bit murky after his trade request, the Bengals can get some insurance late on Day 2. But even if Higgins stays put, Cincinnati could use depth at the position since Tyler Boyd is still unsigned.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Baker led the Big 12 with 1,139 receiving yards this past season to go with seven touchdowns.

The Consensus Big Board has Baker ranked No. 94 overall.

Finally, the Bengals land standout Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum with their compensatory selection, pick No. 97 overall.

Kiper’s pick: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

With Joe Mixon gone, Corum would have a chance to compete for carries as a rookie. Corum is a little undersized at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, but he can break tackles. He is Michigan’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61) and points scored (356).

The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Corum rushed for 1,245 yards and a staggering 27 touchdowns this past season for the national champion Wolverines. Across the last three seasons, he ran for 3,360 yards and 56 scores.

The Consensus Big Board has Corum ranked No. 71 overall.

I’d call this a fantastic haul for the Bengals. Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!