The pieces are starting to come together when looking at the Cincinnati Bengals‘ NFL Draft plans.
We won’t be privy to every top-30 visit and private workout the team conducts, but the information we know of is starting to paint a picture.
On top of the plethora of running backs the team has reportedly met with during the pre-draft process, the Bengals have shown notable interest in two prospects in particular: Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, and Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Cincinnati not only spoke with both players extensively at the NFL Scouting Combine, they’ve now hosted a top-30 visit for each as well. Kincaid’s visit was Wednesday morning.
In general, pre-draft meetings do indicate a team’s interest in a player, but it’s not always cut-and-dry.
The Bengals have historically used their top-30 visits to establish good relations with likely undrafted free agent targets, as well as getting additional exposure to potential character risks.
That makes Kincaid and Forbes the two (we know about) they met at the Combine AND a Top-30 Visit. https://t.co/aIQDnrinV3
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 12, 2023
When it comes to Forbes and Kincaid, there’s not much cloak and dagger happening. They are each first-round targets, and if they aren’t selected by Cincinnati, it’s because they were already drafted by another team.
Kincaid’s visit is especially relevant due to recent news of his health. Dr. Robert Watkins gave the tight end prospect a clean bill of health despite concerns of a back injury he suffered at the end of the 2022 season.
“Dalton Kincaid sustained a back injury while playing football on 11/26/2022. Subsequent MRIs have shown appropriating healing and he has been asymptomatic with no pain and no limitation of function for at least 3 months. He is cleared to play football with no restrictions.” – Dr. Robert Watkins on Kincaid.
The Bengals could’ve used this opportunity to get another look at the now fully-healthy Kincaid, who is projected to go off the board prior to the 28th overall pick.
We’ve already touched on why Forbes would be an ideal pick for the Bengals here, but it can’t be understated how impactful his ball skills would be in the secondary.
Forbes leaves Mississippi State with 14 career interceptions. Bengals cornerbacks had just two all last season. Interceptions are far from everything when it comes to playing cornerback, but they certainly don’t hurt.
Whether or not Forbes or Kincaid become the Bengals’ first-round pick, their interest in both players, and their positions as whole, is crystal clear with just two weeks to go.
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