In the most recent 2024 NFL mock draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will select a massive offensive game-changer.
Earlier today, ESPN’s renowned NFL Draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr., unveiled his most recent mock draft, suggesting that the Cincinnati Bengals might address their need for offensive line protection by selecting Oregon State’s offensive tackle, Taliese Fuaga, to bolster their lineup and support franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
Kiper highlighted the Bengals as one of the teams that stand to benefit from the deep pool of offensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft, potentially seeing as many as eight tackles going in the first round. With Orlando Brown Jr. solidifying the left side position, the Bengals’ focus shifts to the right side, especially with Jonah Williams’ pending free agency. Fuaga, having started 25 games at right tackle during college, could seamlessly step in to fill this role. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 335 pounds, Fuaga brings a robust presence to the line, excelling particularly in run-blocking. Impressively, he surrendered just one sack over his last two collegiate seasons.
In the context of the Bengals’ recent seasons, injuries, particularly Joe Burrow’s hand injury in Week 11 of the 2023 season, significantly impacted their performance. Burrow’s injury, a torn ligament in his right hand, thrust Jake Browning into the starting quarterback position for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, the Bengals managed to conclude the season with a commendable 9-8 record under Zac Taylor’s leadership. However, they narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, largely due to Browning’s unexpectedly solid performance following Burrow’s injury.
