GOOD NEWS EVER: Bengals have sign familiar running back in free agen…..
Although the Bengals have many needs heading into the offseason, running back may be one of the less important ones. Although Chase Brown, who the Bengals selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed promise in the previous campaign, Joe Mixon’s future remains questionable.
In any case, a running back acquisition is anticipated from the Bengals this summer. A brief summary of certain possible 2024 NFL Draft targets is provided below:
Jonathan Brooks, the Texan
In the NFL, Brooks anticipates being a workhorse back. Before suffering from an ACL tear last season, he produced.
Although his injury has reduced his draft value, there is still a strong likelihood that he will be selected first overall. Due to his injury, the Bengals are unlikely to select Brooks with their 49th choice, but they will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on an athletic back like him who has demonstrated the ability to pass protect.
Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright
Wright possesses the speed required to hit home runs in addition to having adequate pass-protection skills. He would be a solid choice on day two after leading the Volunteers in rushing for 1,010 yards on 136 attempts (7.4 YPC) in the previous season.
Michigan’s Blake Corum
When Michigan ran for the 2023 National Championship, Corum was their workhorse. Due to his size, he might be selected on day three of the draft rather than day two.
Despite being undersized for the position, Corum’s agility and instincts should help him have a successful NFL career. Brown is the Bengals’ starting running back right now. His build and speed are comparable to Corum’s.
Oregon’s Bucky Irving
Irving is a physically gifted but small running back who could be a great fit for the Bengals. Irving is a dangerous weapon in the passing game and an explosive runner.
Similar to Corum, Irving is tiny, and although his passing game prowess is undeniably alluring, the Bengals may choose to acquire a larger workhorse in instead of Irving.
From Florida State, Trey Benson
On the second day of the draft, Benson presents an intriguing prospect for the Bengals. During the previous season, Benson ran for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is a powerful back who can make opponents miss, as seen by his 4.39 40-yard sprint time at the NFL Combine. He would give Chase Brown something new to run with and work well together. The Bengals should seek Benson because he is also a strong pass defender.
USC’s Marshawn Lloyd
Lloyd has had a successful career at South Carolina and USC. In the NFL, he is expected to be an athletic weapon. As we’ve indicated, Lloyd won’t be a workhorse sort of back, but he might be a useful playmaker in both the passing and running games.
Since Lloyd had some problems with ball security in college, it has been the main area of attention.
The Notre Dame’s Audric Estime
In 2024, Estime might be the ideal running back for the Bengals offense. He is a large, strong back with excellent size-related mobility. Since Brown was the quick option, Estime could intervene when there was a short yardage situation and utilize his strength to gain the necessary yardage.
Estime might add strength to the Bengals’ rushing assault, but he isn’t a very explosive threat out of the backfield. This Bengals system would be best served by a committee-style backfield consisting of a variety of running back styles.
Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen
Another strong back, Allen, might give the Bengals’ running game greater strength. He has the ideal combination of age, strength, and stature for a rookie running back.
His frame and strength are comparable to Estime’s, but he has pass protection issues, which the Bengals may be considering if they select a running back in the draft. All things considered, they would be receiving a young, strong running back with lots of potential.
Ray Davis in Kentucky
Among the more versatile runners in this draft class is Davis. He is a gifted, intelligent running back with good ball handling skills who can also be a strong receiver out of the backfield.
Davis has an issue with his age. He has already turned 24 years old and has experienced a number of ailments. The Bengals would acquire a running back who is ready for the NFL in Davis, but he might not be a long-term answer. Getting the NFL-ready running back and inserting him straight away could be a wise option, especially with the Bengals now in the running for a Super Bowl.
Shipley Will and Clemson
Shipley is an option if you want to match Brown with a dynamic, pass-catching running back. He’s an excellent athlete with superb pass-catching skills.
Shipley is a player to watch if the Bengals want to bolster their group of running backs with a gifted playmaker. He won’t be selected as a workhorse running back.
Guerendo Isaac, Louisville
Guerendo might be among the Draft’s sleepers. At the NFL Combine, he performed admirably. He is a quick back, but he still has the strength to be an effective running back in the NFL.
He is a compelling target on the third draft day.
New Hampshire’s Dylan Laube
Another running back with good pass-catching skills is Laube. His speed is sufficient for him to be an effective playmaker in the NFL. Although he doesn’t have the same raw running ability as some of the other guys on this list, he may still provide the Bengals with a strong receiving threat out of the backfield. In college, he also returned kicks.
Washington Dillon Johnson
Johnson might be a good third-day choice for a team. He is a terrific size and has top level expertise in both passing and running games.
