With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Cincinnati Bengals, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Cincinnati Bengals rookies?
- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson | Round 1, Pick 28
- DJ Turner, CB, Michigan | Round 2, Pick 60
- Jordan Battle, S, Alabama | Round 3, Pick 95
- Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue | Round 4, Pick 131
- Chase Brown, RB, Illinois | Round 5, Pick 163
- Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton | Round 6, Pick 206
- Brad Robbins, P, Michigan | Round 6, Pick 217
- D.J. Ivey, DB, Miami | Round 7, Pick 246
Cincinnati Bengals Draft Class Grade:
The Bengals received an A rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B+ from ESPN, and a B- from NFL Network.
Which Bengals Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Bengals ranked 25th in pressure rate generated on non-blitzes last year (27.8%), so addressing the pass rush with Myles Murphy (first round) was a smart approach. Murphy is a former five-star recruit but struggled to get the most out of those traits.
In 2022, he ranked 27th out of 39 qualified ACC edge rushers in pressure rate (10.3%). In the short term, Murphy will provide depth behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, but he will obviously be expected to develop into a starter down the road.
DJ Turner (second round) will likely be buried on the depth chart as a rookie, but Chidobe Awuzie hits free agency after the year, potentially opening the door for Turner. Turner’s elite speed allowed him to survive despite poor anticipation skills, so Cincy is an ideal landing spot with no immediate pressure.
To earn a starting job down the road, Turner must improve his on-ball production. Based on route-adjusted metrics, Turner generated a ball-hawk rate 2.7% above expected in 2022 一 most top prospects post numbers well into the double digits.
For comparison, Cam Taylor-Britt, who saw immediate playing time as a rookie last year, was 19% above expected in his final year at Nebraska.
Jordan Battle (third round) is the quintessential Bengals draft pick. There’s nothing flashy about his game, but he was a team captain with plenty of big-game experience at Alabama. He primarily lined up in the free safety role for Nick Saban but struggled to locate and play the ball.
Although there’s not an easy path to immediate playing time, Charlie Jones (fourth round) landed in a great spot to grow into a long-term role. Both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are in the final years of their deals, and Cincy probably can’t afford to keep both.
Jones flew under the radar at Buffalo and Iowa before a breakout season at Purdue in 2022. He’s a straight-line athlete who doesn’t offer much after the catch but has the speed to stretch the field on the outside.
Chase Brown (fifth round) will compete for the backup job behind Joe Mixon. Though he tested well at the Combine, Brown is more fast than elusive and is at his best running between the tackles.
Brown’s compact build makes him tough to bring down on first contact, and he excels at fighting through traffic at the line of scrimmage 一 he averaged 5.0 yards per attempt when running into a stacked box last season.
Andrei Iosivas (fifth round) is a traits-based project but well worth the gamble on Day 3. He has the size and speed combination you typically don’t find that late in the draft and there will be no pressure to force him into action too early.
Michigan’s Brad Robbins (sixth round) will be expected to beat out former Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman. Robbins excels at pinning opponents deep in their territory. He had 13 punts from his own 40 or closer last year, pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 11 times, and inside their 10-yard line six times.
DJ Ivey (seventh round) is a traits-based project who was often a liability in the Miami secondary. Over the past two seasons, Ivey’s route-adjusted ball-hawk rate was a dreadful 31% below expected. Ivey tested extremely well at his Pro Day and checked in with 32-inch arms, so the traits are there for development.
The Bengals value leadership and big-game experience, and this class further solidified that trend. Dating back to 2019, nine of their 10 first or second-round picks have played in the College Football Playoff.
The biggest surprise from this class is the lack of immediate help. No one, other than the punter, has a path to a starting job. And even projecting into the 2024 season, it is unclear if anyone other than Turner and Jones will be competing for starting roles 一 though they will certainly hope Murphy develops enough to force a tough call.
