Trent Brown, an offensive tackle, has signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, continuing their aggressive start to free agency. In Cincinnati, Brown will probably take over as the starting linebacker and support a thin offensive line.
After Jonah Williams left the organization in free agency, Brown’s signing made sense, and it might change the team’s plans for the 2024 NFL Draft. The solution to that question is actually rather straightforward.
Many analysts had projected that the Bengals would try to strengthen the offensive line with their first-round pick (18th overall), especially with the draft drawing near. In his most recent mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper even had Cincinnati pick Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga.
Cincinnati has first-round draft choices.
Brown’s arrival, though, might make a difference because the Bengals may no longer need to select an offensive lineman in the first round. They’ll undoubtedly want to strengthen the line at some point during the draft, albeit perhaps not right now.
In addition to adding depth to the offensive line, the Bengals may be able to target other positions in the first round with Brown’s signing. Instead, since Tee Higgins sought a trade and Tyler Boyd is a free agent, they might try to strengthen their defensive line up front or acquire a top pass-catcher for quarterback Joe Burrow.
In his mock draft, Kiper proposed that the Bengals consider a defensive tackle or receiver in the first round if they choose not to fix the offensive line.
“Cincinnati likely will also have its eyes on the second group of receivers, as it brought back Tee Higgins on the franchise tag but No. 3 wideout Tyler Boyd is still a free agent,” he stated. “LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. seems like a good fit. Since Byron Murphy II (Texas) is still available in this scenario, I also considered defensive tackle.”
The Bengals’ decision on their first pick is going to be quite intriguing, and it appears that the arrival of Brown has expanded their options.
