Cincinnati Bengals bolster their secondary in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft
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Jakorian Bennett. 131. player. 824. . Cornerback. Terrapins
For the next pick in this seven-round mock draft, the Bengals stay on the defensive side of the ball by selecting cornerback Jakorian Bennett out of the University of Maryland. For the past two years, he has been a key part of their secondary with 22 passes defended and four interceptions during that stretch.
The cornerback position is another one that could look different as Eli Apple is set to be a free agent, as well as Tre Flowers. However, they appear to have the other starting cornerback position solidified after a promising rookie season from Cam Taylor-Britt.
With veteran Mike Hilton at nickel, the addition of Jakorian Bennett at a minimum gives them depth at the position and they could address Apple’s previous spot with a veteran.
Tackle. Bears . Connor Galvin. 165. player. 860.
One thing the Cincinnati Bengals showed during the playoffs was that you can never have too much depth on the offensive line. They saw numerous starters suffer injuries toward the end of the season but were able to advance as far as they did because those backups were able to step up against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.
Connor Galvin is an experienced left tackle after starting 50 games at left tackle over five seasons with Baylor. He is a player that would start his career as a backup but the Bengals could use that time to potentially develop him into being the primary backup at both left and right tackle.