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How the Bengals can rule the draft, Smale Park honored: Today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor takes questions from the press during a news conference, Monday, April 15, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor takes questions from the press during a news conference, Monday, April 15, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Good morning!

One of the biggest events on the NFL calendar is one week away. The Bengals hold the No. 18 overall pick, and 10 picks total, in the NFL draft, taking place in Detroit, Michigan, April 25-27.

The expectations for the Bengals in this draft are high for a few reasons. After missing the playoffs in 2023, they hope to reload with talent and make another deep postseason run. Cincinnati also has a massive hole to fill at nose tackle following the departure of team captain DJ Reader in free agency. The Bengals must come away with a starting nose tackle in the first two rounds.

Joe Burrow’s new contract will also start kicking in a big way next season, specifically against the salary cap, which will limit what the Bengals can do in free agency from a spending standpoint. Look for the team to draft a wide receiver early, as they plan for a possible life without Tee Higgins in 2025 following two years of failed contract negotiations.

Click or tap here to read everything the Bengals should do to ace the draft.

What else you need to know Thursday, April 18

🌞 Weather: High of 82. Very warm and less humid with intervals of clouds and sunshine.

☝️ Smale Riverfront Park named best riverwalk in America by USA TODAY, beats out San Antonio.

🏈 Jason Kelce loses Super Bowl ring in pool of Skyline Chili: 'It's just a hunk of metal.'

🍹 The Park, a new bar and restaurant, to open at The Banks in June.

🎉 The top 10 events happening in Cincinnati this weekend - April 19-21.

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Today's Top Stories

Purcell Marian's Dee Alexander (2) drives to the basket defended by Laurel School forward Saniyah Hall (2) during their state championship game Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Purcell Marian's Dee Alexander (2) drives to the basket defended by Laurel School forward Saniyah Hall (2) during their state championship game Saturday, March 16, 2024.

• Ohio Ms. Basketball Dee Alexander of Purcell Marian commits to Cincinnati Bearcats

President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2024.
President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2024.

• Ohio GOP leaders reject Democrats' plan to get President Joe Biden on November ballot

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a TV interview at the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a TV interview at the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2024 in Washington, DC.

• Who is Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who may help oust Speaker Mike Johnson?

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 16: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 16, 2024 in Seattle, Washington,
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 16: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 16, 2024 in Seattle, Washington,

• Wittenmyer & Williams: Elly De La Cruz declares Cincinnati Reds World Series 'ready'. Huh?

Kings Island launched its first test run of the park’s newest coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Kings Island launched its first test run of the park’s newest coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

• Snoopy's Soap Box Racers: What Kings Island's newest family-friendly coaster looks like

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How the Bengals can rule the draft, Smale Park honored | Daily Briefing