The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the best teams in the NFL for the last few seasons. They have been in the final four the last two seasons, losing in Super Bowl 56 to the Los Angeles Rams and losing a hard-fought game to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game this past season.
This offseason, Cincinnati’s front office did a good job of filling the holes that were created. The offensive line has been an issue for years, so they signed Orlando Brown Jr. to shore things up. Cody Ford was also signed as a depth piece, which could come in handy with Jonah Williams requesting a trade after being flipped from left tackle to right tackle.
Defensively is where the Bengals were hit hardest. Their starting safety duo of Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell both departed in free agency, signing with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. Cornerback Eli Apple remains a free agent as well, as Cincinnati could have an entirely new starting secondary in 2023.
Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, it makes sense why cornerback and safety are listed as the two biggest needs for the Bengals. The unit was susceptible to getting beat last season when the front seven was struggling to generate pressure. Without a star pass rusher in the mix, they were beaten with some regularity.
Nick Scott was signed away from the Rams to help replace Bates. 2022 first-round pick Daxton Hill will assuredly assume a larger role this season as well, but it would not be surprising if the Bengals looked to add another piece. A veteran with experience seems more likely than another rookie.
With a high-powered offense, there will be a lot of pressure on the secondary to be able to slow down opposing passing games. If the Bengals want to take even more pressure off of the secondary, they could seek out an explosive running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Joe Mixon had some discouraging advanced stats last season and lacks big play ability. Bringing in another running back that can help control the tempo of the game would be a good idea. It would also help take pressure off of Joe Burrow to carry the offense on his arm all season.
