Bengals ignore defense, upgrade offense in fresh 2-round NFL mock draft
The Cincinnati Bengals already had one of the better offenses in the NFL in 2024. But entering the offseason, the future of wide receiver Tee Higgins once again looms large as Cincinnati has a tough decision to make regarding him as they also have Ja'Marr Chase to pay eventually.
The Bengals also struck gold with Chase Brown after Zack Moss went down with an injury this season and there's no guarantee Moss returns to the team in 2025, so extra pieces could be needed there as well.
Both positions were attacked in the latest two-round mock draft from Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy.
First, at No. 17, the Bengals take a potential replacement for Higgins in Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka had over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in two of his last three seasons. He missed three games in 2023 due to an injury.
RELATED: Bengals reveal coaching hires — and one comes with a twist
In the second round, the Bengals grab a new running mate for Chase Brown as they select Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson. Sampson had a monster breakout season in 2024, rushing for 1,491 yards and an incredible 22 touchdowns (both school records) in helping the Vols reach the College Football Playoff before losing to eventual national champion Ohio State, a game Sampson left early due to a hamstring injury. He rushed for over 100 yards in all but two games during the regular season.
Defense will certainly be of need this offseason, but there's also free agency for that. The Bengals love offense and any chance they can get to upgrade that side of the football, they'll take it.
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