Final Bengals 7-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Following the breadcrumbs to a right tackle

This is the sixth and final Cincinnati Bengals mock draft leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.

We made it. We're a day away from the 2024 NFL Draft. The months-long build up full of deceit and embellishment never changes, but neither does the fulfillment at the end.

Suspicions will be righteously confirmed, or proven hilariously wrong. 

The Bengals have 10 draft picks at their disposal, and 10 would be the most I see them using. I will not be predicting a trade here, but sacrificing a Day 3 pick to move up in Day 2 would not be shocking to see. Here's how I see the draft unfolding without a trade, featuring Arif Hasan's Consensus Big Board rankings.

First round, 18th overall: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Consensus Big Board rank: 21

Mims has been a staple in my Bengals mock drafts since February, and he remains the prediction for the 18th pick. Everything adds up to Cincinnati taking the massive swing.

The Bengals have drafted a 5-star recruit in the first two rounds every year Zac Taylor has been the head coach. They've gone after College Football Playoff experience in the first two rounds every year since 2017, with six of those seven picks coming in the first round. They are more than okay with rostering large size outliers at the tackle position, and appear very determined to target the position early in this draft. 

Recent history, overall interest, and likely availability all point towards Mims being the pick. It's been this way for a while. I think JC Latham and Byron Murphy II would be picked over him, but I don't expect either to last 18 picks. A sooner-than-expected run on tackles is the only obstacle in place here. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also targeting Mims and just traded up last year for a Georgia tackle, though they might be in the process of trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.  

The Bengals have met with Mims at the NFL Scouting Combine, attended his pro day, and brought him in for a top 30 visit.

Second round, 49th overall: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson

Consensus Big Board rank: 69

The Bengals can't leave the first two rounds of a draft without taking a player from Clemson or Michigan. Interestingly enough, I think former Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is also in play at this pick, but he has a greater chance of going sooner.

A Bengals defensive lineman has to have a killer motor, plenty of athleticism, and leadership qualities certainly don't hurt. Orhorhoro is one of the more violent and active run defenders in this interior defensive line class with enough length and flexibility to two-gap if needed. His power to push the pocket is another quality that will attract the Bengals. They've also got multiple years of familiarity with him after scouting his former teammate and their first round pick Myles Murphy last year.

While nose tackle may be the greater immediate need, a 3-technique is likely to be selected first for Cincinnati. Orhorhoro checks the important boxes for a more well-rounded defensive tackle.

The Bengals had an informal meeting with Orhorhoro at the NFL Scouting Combine, and attended his pro day.

Third round, 80th overall: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

Consensus Big Board rank: 81

The third round feels like the sweet spot for the Bengals to take a Tyler Boyd replacement. Any earlier and you're dealing with a large contingent of prospects who don't pass the club's breakout age and production thresholds.

McMillan comfortably fits at this juncture as the vertical slot receiver they're looking for. He's used to being a part of a high-powered wideout trio and has experience both on the boundary and in the slot, with more of a focus inside during the last two years. His breakout age and history producing explosive plays signify a good floor and ceiling for his career.

With how much the receiver market exploded in recent weeks, I think the Bengals are more likely to tag Tee Higgins again next year, which makes finding his replacement now less pressing. McMillan can give them a solid option in the slot without the limitations that were attached to Boyd.

The Bengals attended McMillan's pro day, and brought him in for a top 30 visit.

Third round, 97th overall: Gabriel Murphy, ED, UCLA

Consensus Big Board rank: 110

The compensatory pick Cincinnati received for losing Jessie Bates III can almost be viewed as a bonus pick. That could entail facilitating a trade, or taking a player at a non-pressing need like Murphy. 

If it needs to be said again, the Bengals value relentlessness out of their defensive linemen, and Murphy's motor runs high every snap. What he lacks in length, he makes up for in quality pass-rushing plans, explosiveness, and effort. He's also known for being a high character teammate.

Edge defender is a quiet long-term need for Cincinnati. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are pushing 30 years of age, and Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample are entering the last year of their rookie contracts. Murphy may end up pushing one of those two off the roster, or simply give the defensive line six rosterable players off the edge. 

The Bengals met with Murphy at the NFL Scouting Combine, attended his pro day, and conducted a virtual meeting with him.

Fourth round, 115th overall: Mason McCormick, IOL, South Dakota State

Consensus Big Board rank: 121

If the Bengals liked Cordell Volson enough to draft him in the fourth round just two years ago, they should be all over McCormick in the same round. 

McCormick started 57 straight games at the FCS level going all the way back to 2019. He's exclusively played left guard since 2020, but has repped at center and right guard before. On top his physical play style in which he goes out of his way to bury defenders, he's also one of the best athletes out of this entire offensive line class, and was revered for his on-field intellect.

The middle of the draft is when the Bengals will be looking for a future replacement for center Ted Karras, who can also provide depth at both guard spots. McCormick absolutely fits the bill. 

The Bengals attended McCormick's pro day.

Fifth round, 149th overall: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

Consensus Big Board rank: 162

Cincinnati drafted an older offensive skill player who transferred from Iowa to Purdue last year when the selected Charlie Jones in the fourth round. They could do the exact same this time around by selecting the 24-year old Tracy on Day 3.

Tracy was recruited as a running back, but made the switch to wide receiver once he got to Iowa. Just like Jones, Tracy transferred to Purdue in search of a larger role and eventually got one once he switched back to running back in 2023. He offered explosive runs out of the backfield, quality kickoff returns that included a 98-yard touchdown, and more special teams production on kickoff and punt coverage.

With Zack Moss and Chase Brown in the fold, Tracy can round out the rotation and ultimately take Chris Evans' roster spot as a similar player. The new kickoff return rules also give Tracy added value to contribute early.

The Bengals attended Tracy's pro day.

Sixth round, 194th overall: Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas

Consensus Big Board rank: 189

There's not a lot of in-between when it comes to the Bengals drafting cornerbacks. It's either an early pick, or a much later pick. With Dax Hill seemingly taking over as the fourth cornerback on the roster, a later pick feels more likely.

McGlothern stands out for his ball production. He racked up 23 passes defensed and seven interceptions in two seasons for Arkansas after transferring from LSU. He's a bit on the lighter side and doesn't have much length, but that hasn't stopped the Bengals from drafting other defensive backs in recent years. His lack of overall athleticism is what will push him down on Day 3.

Another cornerback needs to be added for Cincinnati, and McGlothern's past production gives him a chance to outperform his draft status. 

The Bengals attended McGlothern's pro day and showed interest in talking to him.

Sixth round, 214th overall: Evan Anderson, NT, FAU

Consensus Big Board rank: 270

This may be a reach according to the consensus, but I think the Bengals will want to use a draft pick prior to the seventh round on a nose tackle. Anderson is the one they've been linked to the most. 

In a rough class of true nose tackles, Anderson's production profile is notable as a true four-year starter (66th percentile accounting for age and strength of team). He's not going to be more than a gap-plugger for run defense, but that's what the Bengals need going forward in a future without DJ Reader. 

The Bengals attended Anderson's pro day, and brought him in for a top 30 visit.

Seventh round, 224th overall: Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota 

Consensus Big Board rank: 220

A tight end could be selected much earlier than this, but the Bengals have passed on the position time and time again in recent years when an obvious choice wasn't staring them in the face. This also doesn't appear to be a strong class for the position. 

Spann-Ford is one of the true Y tight ends in this class, which is what the Bengals need more than an F tight end ala Mike Gesicki or Tanner Hudson. He logged well over 2,000 blocking snaps at Minnesota, and that's what he'll be tasked of doing as the fourth tight end anywhere he gores. 

The Bengals attended Spann-Ford's pro day.

Seventh round, 237th overall: Austin McNamara, P, Texas Tech

Consensus Big Board rank: Unranked

If 10 picks is the final number, a punter is definitely in play. Competition is needed for last year's draft pick Brad Robbins.

McNamara's career average hang time of 4.20 seconds and career net average of 41.9 yards aren't spectacular, but can certainly give Robbins a run for his money in training camp.