The Cincinnati Bengals will have ten picks in next week’s NFL Draft in Detroit. Giving them several opportunities to address their biggest concerns through this draft. Here are just a few of those concerns.

Building a defense that can stop the pass

Improving the defense should be a top priority for the Bengals. More specifically, Cincinnati needs to boost their passing and receiving defense. Last season, the Bengals defense gave up a league-leading 8.1 passing yards per attempt. While also allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Matching the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants for the second worst yards per carry allowed. The Denver Broncos had a league high of five yards per catch allowed. Cincinnati tied with Detroit for allowing a league high of 12.3 yards per reception.

The rushing game needs a boost

There are two priorities for the Bengals to consider rushing-wise. The first is to fill the void left by star running back Joe Mixon. He was traded to the Houston Texans in March. Mixon was the leader of the Bengals rushing game. Scoring nine of the Bengals 12 rushing touchdowns last season.

The Bengals added a promising successor for Mixon. By adding former Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss to their roster. While the Bengals have several other running backs on their roster. It wouldn’t hurt the Bengals to add another rushing option. Having more running back depth could also help the Bengals with kick and punt returns. Giving the special teams unit a boost in the process.

Then there’s addressing the gap between Bengals rushing and receiving touchdowns. The Bengals had 27 touchdown receptions, compared to their 12 rushing touchdowns. Three 2024 playoff teams showcase the potential benefits the Bengals could get by narrowing that gap. The Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins led the league with 27 rushing touchdowns each. The gap between those teams rushing and receiving touchdowns aren’t big. The Lions and Dolphins had 30 touchdown receptions. While the 49ers had 33 in a season where they played in the Super Bowl.

Having a backup plan for the future receiving-wise

The Bengals would be wise to prepare for a possibility. Of not having Tyler Boyd or Tee Higgins as receiving options. Boyd is a free agent and Higgins will play this upcoming season with the franchise tag. The Bengals have other promising receivers on their roster. From 2023 rookie Andrei Iosivas to team-leading wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Yet, if the Bengals are going to continue to be more pass heavy. It will be important to have as many receiving options as possible.

There was also a lot of chatter last season; about needing Bengals tight ends to step up. Adding a tight end would be a reasonable move for the Bengals. Tanner Hudson led Bengals tight ends with 352 receiving yards. Drew Sample led the tight ends with two touchdowns. Giving Hudson, Sample and other tight ends some backup and roster competition could help the Bengals.

Finding some long term options amid a busy off-season

The Bengals boosted their defense through free agency. Adding safety Geno Stone from the Baltimore Ravens, through a two-year contract in March. It wouldn’t hurt to add more defensive depth through the draft. To provide for some longer-term options than a free agent might be able to give timewise. Tight end concerns prompted the Bengals to add Mike Gesicki via free agency. Yet, Gesicki’s deal with Cincinnati is only for one year. Presenting a need to draft a tight end that could be here for three or more years.

Not needing to draft a quarterback broadens the priorities

Cincinnati’s offense managed despite Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in mind. The Bengals passing stats looked decent throughout last season. Cincinnati had a 68.3 passing completion percentage. Ranking fourth in the league and second in the American Football Conference. Their 6.9 yards per passing attempt ranks 20th in the league.

Matching the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Showcasing that Jake Browning can handle starting if needed. This gives Cincinnati room to address multiple positions. From the offensive line to Cincinnati’s rushing defense. Along with other positions not mentioned in this checklist.

The NFL Draft runs from April 25-27th. The Bengals are set to begin their draft with the 18th overall pick.