Purdue receiver Charlie Jones was selected in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals. Although Jones is a Day 3 selection, he could wind up being one of the biggest steals in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said Jones has a “ton of value” in what he can bring to the Bengals. Jones had a prolific 2022 season for the Boilermakers.
#Bengals OC Brian Callahan talking about Charlie Jones pic.twitter.com/qT9DHNcqDE
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 29, 2023
His 110 receptions ranked No. 1 in the nation, and he had an impressive 1,361 receiving yards and 12 scores. On top of his receiving prowess, Jones has experience returning punts and kicks. “He’s got a path to see the field potentially in competition as a returner at both returner spots,” Callahan said. “Has flexibility as a receiver.”
He’s got a ton of production in a good conference. At the spot that we were at in the fourth round, felt like he was a no-brainer — to add a guy that’s got a lot of ability to help us down the road here.”
The Bengals already have a deep and talented receiving trio consisting of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. But Boyd and Higgins’ contracts are expiring at the end of the 2023 season.
Looking for more Charlie Jones highlights, @Bengals fans?
See what @JoeyB‘s newest weapon can do ⤵️.#NFLDraft x #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/bT45YWhm1n
— Purdue On BTN (@PurdueOnBTN) April 29, 2023
Bringing in Jones can help the Bengals win now as well as down the road like Callahan mentioned. Bengals receivers coach Troy Walters is “excited” to have Jones in the fold and sees him taking snaps along the boundary as well as at slot receiver.
“He’s fast enough to give you some reps on the outside,” Walters said. “He’s just a great route-runner. Really big into technique. Can get in and out of his breaks.”
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Jones ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and plays stronger than his height and weight indicate.
The Bengals are getting a tactician as a route-runner who can make defenders miss in the open field. Jones is fearless and excels at making contested grabs and catches in traffic. The Joe Burrow-to-Jones connection could be a beautiful thing for years to come. This fourth-round pick may ultimately be a key ingredient to the Bengals winning a Super Bowl.
