Cincinnati Bengals: 2023 NFL Draft Recap

Gone are the days of drafting in the Top-10 because of a disappointing regular season. Gone is the pressure of having to land a franchise-changing star with that first-round pick, because it’s the only way to get better.

The Bengals are in the enviable position of being one of the best teams in football who get to use the draft to plan for the future.

Myles Murphy, Clemson Edge - 1st Round

Myles Murphy isn’t just about the future in Cincinnati. He began his college career as a freshman at Clemson by getting two sacks in his very first game. He’s big and powerful, rushes the passer well, and plays good run defense, and he makes the Bengals defensive line better in 2023.

He joins the rotation at defensive end that includes Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, and Joseph Ossai.

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DJ Turner, Michigan Cornerback - 2nd Round

Some pundits had DJ Turner going in the first round, so to get him with the 60th pick in the draft is excellent value at a premiere position, and a position of need. 

Turner ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest of anyone this year, and he will be a future starter in Cincinnati.

Jordan Battle, Alabama Safety - 3rd Round

The back end of the secondary was weakened this offseason when both Jesse Bates and Vonn Bell left the Bengals. Enter rookie Jordan Battle, a two-time first-team All-SEC selection and national champion with Alabama.

He isn’t expected to begin the season as a starter, but he is expected to play his way into the lineup as the season goes on.

Charlie Jones, Purdue Wide Receiver - 4th Round

Wide receiver is perhaps the best and deepest position on the Bengals roster, but with big contracts coming for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s time to prepare for the future. Charlie Jones from Purdue is part of that as a receiver who can play inside and out, as well as return kicks.

Chase Brown, Illinois Running Back - 5th Round

Chase Brown is instantly the second best running back on the roster. He slots in as the backup to Joe Mixon, which should mean plenty of carries for the speed alternative to Mixon’s bruising style. In four years at Illinois, Brown averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

Andrei Iosivas, Princeton Wide Receiver - 6th Round

Another wide receiver for the future is Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas, an All-Ivy Leaguer as a junior and senior. We know he’s smart, studying at Princeton, and we know he is a great athlete, as an All-American heptathlete for Princeton’s track and field team.

Brad Robbins, Michigan Punter - 6th Round

With part-timer Drue Chrisman as the only punter on the roster, the Bengals took Brad Robbins from Michigan with the expectation that he will win the job. He was twice on the Big-Ten All-Academic team.

D.J. Ivey, Miami (FL) Cornerback - 7th Round

The final pick for the Bengals was Miami Hurricane D.J. Ivey, a big corner who matches up well with big receivers. He’s a depth piece with good ball skills, finishing his career in Miami with six interceptions and 17 pass breakups.