The Cincinnati Bengals did a good job of addressing some needs early on in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their defense needed some work because of some underwhelming performances and defections in free agency.
So it made sense their focus on Days 1 and 2 of the draft was on that side of the ball. In need of a pass rusher, Cincinnati selected Clemson edge defender Myles Murphy in the first round.
With the secondary being without three-quarters of its starters from last season with Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell leaving in free agency and Eli Apple a free agent, the Bengals targeted the secondary on Day 2. Michigan cornerback D.J. Turner was selected in the second round and Alabama safety Jordan Battle was selected in Round 3.
All three players have a chance to contribute right away, which enabled the Bengals to take some chances on high-upside players on Day 3.
One of the more intriguing prospects that they selected was Princeton wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. Iosivas dominated the smaller-school competition that he faced with his combination of size, speed and athleticism.
He was an FCS First-Team All-American as a result. While he will certainly need some polish to become a consistent contributor in the NFL, the tools are there for Iosivas to succeed. You cannot teach the size that he possesses as he can be deployed as a vertical threat weapon from Day 1.
Jet screens and end-arounds he could also find success on in the early going. During the pre-draft process, Iosivas received an interesting player comparison.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was his pro player comp and it is one that does make sense. Watson also came into the NFL from the FCS level, playing collegiately at North Dakota State.
Some limitations in his game existed, such as his route tree and overall polish to his game. There were some growing pains early on, as Watson struggled with drops, but the athleticism popped right away. Iosivas could have a similar impact with the Bengals.
Unlikely Watson, who was relied upon right away to step into the lineup, Iosivas will be provided the chance to develop behind Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
But his speed will bring another element to an already explosive offense as he can take the top off of defenses, enabling his teammates to work underneath unencumbered. Iosivas can have a few plays drawn up for himself in the early going but is certainly a project pick with a big need at wide receiver potentially opening up in 2024 for the Bengals.
