Bengals 2023 Draft: Day 2 Mock Draft
Much like last year's NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals led off with a pick for the future in the first round. Defensive end Myles Murphy's impact will be felt as a key rotational piece in the present, and a cornerstone starter in the years to come. Not many, including the Bengals themselves, expected Murphy to […]
Much like last year's NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals led off with a pick for the future in the first round. Defensive end Myles Murphy's impact will be felt as a key rotational piece in the present, and a cornerstone starter in the years to come.
Not many, including the Bengals themselves, expected Murphy to last as long as he did in the first round, but the Bengals seized at the chance of securing a future long-term starter at a premium position.
The odds they do the same tonight in the second round are high, as one position group stands out among their needs and reported interest. Let's try to predict how Day 2 of the draft will unfold for the Bengals.
Bengals’ Day 2 Mock Draft
Round 2, No. 60 overall: CB Cam Smith, South Carolina

The Bengals remain heavily interested in this class of cornerbacks, and a good one is expected to be available here. After only four going off the board last night, the stacked position will be more sought after tonight in the second round.
Smith shouldn't be there, if we're being honest. His profile is far too clean to almost become a third-round pick. Just a few months ago, he was projected to go in the first round. Now, he's among a deep group of Day 2 defensive backs.
Out of all the corners remaining, Smith fits the Bengals' defense the most. He's an aggressive run defender with ample ball production to his name, and plenty of speed and explosion to top it all off.
Round 3, No. 92 overall: RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn

Cincinnati is going to take a running back early, and it might be with their second-round pick. Should they go cornerback first, the third round becomes an interesting landing spot for Bigsby, one of the draft’s few all-around backs.
Bigbsy's got the size, big-play ability, and well-roundedness the Bengals are looking for in an immediate complement to Joe Mixon should the veteran accept a pay cut. He's also still just 21 years old, something that matters for the franchise when targeting running backs early.
This would indicate the Bengals are fine waiting until Day 3 for a tight end, and I think that's likely if there's a running back available that they like. Bigsby checks virtually all of their boxes.
Other options include: Roschon Johnson, Brenton Strange, Darius Rush
- Round 1, No. 28 overall: DE Myles Murphy, Clemson (done)
- Round 2, No. 60 overall: CB Cam Smith, South Carolina (mocked)
- Round 3, No. 92 overall: RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn (mocked)