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Here's how the Cincinnati Bengals ace the 2024 NFL draft

Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read
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The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2024 NFL draft looking to reload for the upcoming season in hopes to make another Super Bowl run. Cincinnati's front office filled a few needs through free agency in March but still has needs at the following positions: Defensive tackle, right tackle, wide receiver and a pass catching tight end.

For the first time in his six years as the Bengals' head coach, Zac Taylor has a new offensive coordinator in Dan Pitcher, who was promoted from his previous role as quarterbacks coach. Former offensive coordinator Brian Callahan left to become the head coach for the Tennessee Titans. The majority of the defensive coaching staff returns with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo continuing to run the show.

Here's how the Bengals ace the 2024 NFL draft:

The Bengals have a big hole to fill on the defensive line following the departure of DJ Reader, and Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II could fall to them at No. 18 in the first round.
The Bengals have a big hole to fill on the defensive line following the departure of DJ Reader, and Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II could fall to them at No. 18 in the first round.

Add starting defensive tackle early in 2024 NFL draft

The Bengals need to come away with a starting defensive tackle in the first two rounds. After losing DJ Reader to the Detroit Lions in free agency, the Bengals have a massive hole to fill at nose tackle. This needs to be the team's No. 1 priority heading into the draft for a few reasons. Cincinnati was one of the NFL's worst teams against the run last season. They also play in a division with teams built to run the ball first and foremost on offense. Based off where the Bengals are picking, University of Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II could fall to them at No. 18 and could come in and start right away. If the Bengals choose to draft a right tackle in the first round, Round 2 must feature a defensive tackle for Cincinnati.

Add right tackle and wide receivers in 2024 NFL draft

A long-term right tackle and wide receiver are arguably the two biggest needs behind defensive tackle for the Bengals. For the last three seasons, the Bengals have featured a different starter at right tackle. The franchise wants to find a long-term solution at right tackle and this might be the best year to snag one as this year's tackle class is talented and deep. The problem here is Cincinnati's track record of drafting starting offensive linemen isn't great. They must start hitting on their draft picks on the offensive line so they don't have to continue to spend all of their free agency money on the offensive line.

With all signs pointing to the Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins parting ways after this season, drafting a wide receiver in the second round is not out of the question. The Bengals did just that when they drafted Higgins in the second round in 2020.
With all signs pointing to the Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins parting ways after this season, drafting a wide receiver in the second round is not out of the question. The Bengals did just that when they drafted Higgins in the second round in 2020.

It wouldn't be a shock if the Bengals draft a wide receiver with their second-round pick, similar to what they did in 2020 when they selected Tee Higgins out of Clemson. All signs point to Higgins and the Bengals going their seperate ways after this season due to failed contract negotiations. The Bengals need to have a plan for life after Higgins to pair with Ja'Marr Chase. Georgia's Ladd McConkey, Michigan's Roman Wilson and Florida's Ricky Pearsall are all names that could be available in the second round for the Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals 2024 NFL draft will be a success if ...

If the Bengals first three rounds of the draft include a starting defensive tackle, future starting wide receiver and a guard/tackle, Cincinnati's draft will be a success. The most important rounds of the draft are rounds one through three, and the Bengals need starting caliber players at those positions.

Rounds 1 and 2 must feature players who can come in right away and contribute, not development-style players. This is an important draft for the Bengals to set themselves up to contend this season and next as quarterback Joe Burrow's contract is going to really start to kick in from a cap standpoint next season. Burrow will carry a $46 million cap hit in the 2025 season and it will limit what the Bengals can do in free agency putting bigger emphasis on making sure the team hits on their top draft picks.

This draft is of particular importance to the Bengals to get set up for the coming two seasons because Joe Burrow's salary cap hit will increase greatly in 2025 thanks to his new contract.
This draft is of particular importance to the Bengals to get set up for the coming two seasons because Joe Burrow's salary cap hit will increase greatly in 2025 thanks to his new contract.

When is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft will be April 25-27 in Detroit. The first round begins at 8 p.m. April 25 and will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Rounds two and three begin April 26 at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network. Rounds four through seven begin Saturday at noon and will be on ESPN and NFL Network.

Where do the Bengals pick in each round?

The Bengals have 10 draft picks in the 2024 NFL draft with four of the first five picks coming in the top 100.

Round 1, pick 18

Round 2, pick 49

Round 3, pick 80

Round 3, pick 97 (compensatory)

Round 4, pick 115

Round 5, pick 149

Round 6, pick 194

Round 6, pick 214 (compensatory)

Round 7, pick 224 (from Arizona via trade with Houston)

Round 7, pick 237

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals 2024 NFL draft guide, best pick options