How will the Cincinnati Bengals rebound in 2024?

In ESPN’s Jordan Reid‘s final seven-round 2024 NFL mock draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will be making a MAJOR upgrade to their defensive line in the form of Texas defensive tackle, Byron Murphy III.

The projection comes after the club lost star defensive tackle, DJ Reader in free agency to the Detroit Lions.

Cincinnati Bengals Seven-Round Mock Draft Headlined by Byron Murphy III

Round 1, Pick 18: Byron Murphy III, DT, Texas

“Losing DJ Reader hurts the middle of the Bengals’ defense, but Murphy is an explosive wrecking ball on the interior. He’s a stout and high-effort run-defender, and he’s actually even more disruptive as a pass-rusher, where his sudden movements help him quickly beat blockers. Murphy is an easy selection at this spot after the Bengals allowed a league-high 6.0 yards per play last season.”

Round 2, Pick 49: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

“Tee Higgins might be heading into his final season in Cincinnati — if he doesn’t get traded first — and the depth chart isn’t very strong otherwise behind Ja’Marr Chase. Polk finished last season with 1,159 yards and nine TDs.”

Round 3, Pick 97: Christian Jones, OT, Texas

“Jones is the ideal type of right tackle to develop behind Trent Brown; he has strength and heavy hands. He has 48 starts of experience and allowed only one sack last season.”

With their remaining selections in rounds four through seven, ESPN projects the Cincinnati Bengals to pick Mississippi State cornerback, Decamerion Richardson (115), Washington tailback, Dillon Johnson (149), Michigan guard, LaDarius Henderson (194), Florida Atlantic defensive tackle, Evan Anderson (214), Notre Dame quarterback, Sam Hartman (224), and Texas Tech punter, Austin McNamara (237).