The Cincinnati Bengals have the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Could they use that pick to enhance their elite offense ahead of the 2024 season?
The Bengals’ offense will always be elite as long as quarterback Joe Burrow is under center. The problem head coach Zac Taylor needs to solve is the weapons around Burrow.
The Bengals have lost Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon in the 2024 offseason. Tee Higgins has requested a trade after being placed on a franchise tag before the official league start date. Rumors have climbed into the media that Higgins may be moved. That would only leave star wide receiver Jamar Chase for Burrow to trust on Sundays.
Who will the Cincinnati Bengals turn to for help?
The Bengals added tight end Mike Gesicki and running back Zack Moss to alleviate some of the pressure off their offense, but if Higgins is moved, it doesn’t leave much outside.
Could the Bengals turn to the LSU pipeline of wide receivers to supplement some outside skill for Burrow to throw to?
Much of the talk surrounding LSU involves quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers. It is safe to say they won’t have a chance at Nabers with the 18th pick, but his partner to the outside might be available there.
Many do not know Brian Thomas Jr., the LSU product Joe Burrow would love to have.
Brian Thomas Jr. to the Cincinnati Bengals
This year’s draft is deep at wide receiver. The top three names could be selected in the first ten picks. Thomas Jr. is projected toward the end of the first, but the Bengals could feel the need to grab him at 18.
Thomas Jr. had an impressive junior season, with Jayden Daniels finding him often. He had 68 receptions for 1,118 yards and 17 touchdowns. He led all of Division One football in receiving touchdowns in 2023.
Brian is 6’3″ and 209 lbs. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash time at the combine. During the gauntlet passing drill, Next Gen Stats clocked Thomas at 22.91 miles per hour, the second-fastest among receivers at the event. His vertical measured 38.5 inches, and his broad jump was 10’6″.
Thomas Jr. would add a rare combination of size and speed to the offense. His ability in the red zone would also be a much-needed addition.
Bengals at LSU Pro Day
It seems that the appropriate people were present at LSU’s Pro Day.
According to Cincy Jungle (SB Nation Bengals), the Bengals’ recent history with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase shows that they have had success with LSU players. With a talented group working, the Bengals sent staff members in to get a closer look.
The coaches they sent make a lot of sense, too. Wide receivers coach Troy Walters and defensive line coach Marion Hobby made the trip.
It is safe to say that Brian would look good in a Bengals uniform. We shall see if the projection becomes reality.
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