The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the more loaded offenses in the NFL which is why they didn’t make a selection on that side of the ball in the draft until the fourth round.
Cincinnati took wide receiver Charlie Jones with that pick, and he could end up being a replacement for Tyler Boyd depending on what happens next offseason.
However, the Bengals drafted running back Chase Brown in the fifth round, which was a smart move considering to uncertain future of Joe Mixon.
In most situations, Day 3 picks aren’t expected to contribute much, especially not early. Pro Football Focus feels differently when it comes to Brown in the Bengals’ offense in 2023 as he was named the rookie to watch.
Given his tumultuous offseason, it’s unclear if Joe Mixon will be on the Bengals’ roster come opening day. On top of that, backup Samaje Perine signed with the Broncos in the offseason, leaving an opportunity for snaps in Cincinnati’s backfield wide open.
The Bengals selected former Illinois running back Chase Brown in the fifth round, and given that his competition for snaps is currently Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams, he may be in line for a big role in this offense.
What makes Brown such an interesting fit with the Bengals is his 4.43 speed. He can burst threw holes in between the tackles or he can bounce runs outside with his explosiveness.
Also, the Bengals can use Brown out of the backfield as a pass catcher or put him in the slot and get him the ball out in space where he’s the most dangerous.
The Bengals already have plenty of firepower with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Boyd in the passing game. However, speed is a killer in the NFL, and the Bengals may have a secret weapon with Brown.
