Draft expert has strong thoughts on Bengals' Day 2 draft picks
Not reaching for needs is the key to having a successful draft. The more talent you can accumulate on your roster, the better your roster will be equipped to handle inevitable turnover and adversity. The 2023 NFL Draft is going that way for the Cincinnati Bengals. Their first three picks have all been players high […]
Not reaching for needs is the key to having a successful draft. The more talent you can accumulate on your roster, the better your roster will be equipped to handle inevitable turnover and adversity.
The 2023 NFL Draft is going that way for the Cincinnati Bengals. Their first three picks have all been players high on the board from when they were picked, specifically Myles Murphy, who was considered the biggest steal of the first round.
The picks that followed Murphy in DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle were also obvious picks in the Bengals' minds as the top players on their board.
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Rueter gave the Bengals an A grade for their Day 2 picks, citing much praise for both Turner and Battle.
Turner’s NFL Scouting Combine performance might have pushed him into first-round consideration, but I thought his best value was in the late second round or early in Round 3. With a bit more discipline in coverage, he should be a solid value at a need position. The Bengals added to the secondary again with the selection of Battle, a nice pickup in the third round as a future starter even after the signing of Nick Scott. They should select a tight end and offensive lineman on Saturday.
Both Turner and Battle have starting potential at their respective positions, but the plan seems more clear with the former. Battle can potentially push Nick Scott at one of the starting spots if it comes to that, or focus on special teams as a rookie.
It was a surprise to see the Bengals drafted three-straight defensive players, but the consensus believes the Bengals made smart choices to start their draft class.
