2024 1st Round Draft Pick (Board Selection)

[*bfine32*]

A few of the message board draftniks have done a mock 1st RD draft up to pick 18:
http://thebengalsboard.com/Thread-Round-1-Board-Picks

For pick 18 I'm asking the MB to list their favorite for those who remain. A couple of MB members have provided a write up on their favs and I've taken some others from National pundits.

We're going to do this is 2 phases (much like a “war room”). We're going to whittle a Top 10 down to four and then vote again.

So in this thread vote for your top 3 (poll allows multiple votes). If you vote “OTHER” gimme a name. 

TRADE BACK IS NOT AVAILABLE 


BYRON MURPHY/ DT/UT (submitted by Nate)


A run stopper that can also rush the passer and can be elite at both. This is Byron Murphy, he can play NT which he did more than Sweat at Texas regardless of his playing weight it was his assignment for most of the time and he was a better run stopper than Sweat and a much better penetrator as a pass rusher.

Byron Murphy kills 2 birds with 1 stone.

N.FL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/byron-murphy-ii/32004d55-5252-6628-1a87-66e20cb9aefc


AMARIUS MIMS/OT/UG (submitted by Okeana)

Mims is one of the few prospects we have brought in for visit after talking with him. He has the physical traits to be a dominant tackle in the NFL. He carries his weight very well and is a knee bender, not a waist bender. When he played against dominant college competition like Ohio State, he won his reps against a guy who gave Olu and Alt lots of issues. While he only started 8 games, he played more than that and his tape is really good.

Some will say they are scared of hamstring issues after having tightrope surgery, but  Mims doesn't have to be rushed into year 1 play. I think he's very diverse and well balanced; he can play at RT or LT. He could move in to LG if needed giving that diversity in play.

NFL.COM PAGE:https://www.nfl.com/prospects/amarius-mims/32004d49-4d57-4524-e183-7486e766def2


GRAHAM BARTON/OL/DUKE (submitted by bfine)


If I told you the Bengals could draft a young Zack Martin at pick 19 in the 2024 NFL Draft; what would you say? Much like Zack, GB played the majority of his NFL career at LT and did well. Lack of length caused Zack to move inside and looks to do the same for GB. I see Martin as GB's ceiling and Joe Thuney as his floor.

Does GB has the sizzle that many of the sexy monsters have? No. Can the guys play all five positions along the Oline? Yes. Just like Zack Martin, GB is a strong, athletic, intelligent olineman. 2 words I never want to hear together are Pollack and raw. GB's been doing this since 4th grade

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/graham-barton/32004241-5276-8688-5a6e-aadc714bdd3c


BRIAN THOMAS JR/WR/LSU (submitted by BR Scouting Staff)


Brian Thomas Jr. is a juiced-up 6'4" receiver with serious potential as a vertical threat and a yards-after-the-catch weapon.
Thomas' athletic ability shows up as soon as the ball is snapped. He explodes off the line of scrimmage, rarely stuttering his feet and wasting time. Thomas understands how to mix up his releases while always getting upfield and threatening defensive backs.
As a route-runner, Thomas is a mixed bag, but there are things to work with. He is at his best on simple one-cut routes that let him attack the middle of the field, such as digs and slants.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/brian-thomas-jr/32005448-4f41-9793-7e94-7811f8a76eb2


JC LATHAM/OT/BAMA (submitted by pff)


Latham is in the mold of an offensive lineman who does not come around often. He will be just 21 during his rookie season, yet he has two years of starting experience in the SEC.

Despite drawing 18 penalties over the past two years and having room to improve in some anticipation parts of the position, Latham is a first-round trench player due to his rare combination of size, speed and refinement.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jc-latham/32004c41-5405-9109-f911-a29e9cf30811


JER'ZHAN “JERRY” NEWTON/DT./LLI (submitted by Draftbuzz)


Despite being on the smaller side for a defensive lineman, stands out for his dynamic play at Illinois. His ability to hold his ground against the run, coupled with his agility, makes him a versatile defender. Newton isn't just about brute strength; his mobility allows him to move, making plays all along the line.

Newton shines in his pass-rushing role, where his quick hands and diverse skill set come into play. He's adept at using a variety of techniques to get past blockers, combining agility with elite flexibility for a player of his size. This makes him a consistent threat in the backfield and an outstanding interior rusher.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jer-zhan-newton/32004e45-5771-4885-82c7-4990610c7ce7


NATE WIGGINS/CB/CLEM (submitted by Athlon Sports)


If height and length are your thing when it comes to corner prospects, Wiggins is your guy. His tall frame and impressive wingspan give him a clear advantage when it comes to making plays on the ball and not getting beat on jump-balls. He’s also got elite ball skills that make him a big-play threat every time a pass comes his way. Wiggins is fluid coming in and out of his breaks and can close on the ball faster than most taller corners.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nate-wiggins/32005749-4718-7116-94fb-5c2bafb73cf5


LAIATU LATU/ED/UCLA (submitted by Draft Network)


Latu is a two-lane rusher that can attack the outside and inside rush paths. He has adequate dip and bend to corner offensive tackles and close onto the quarterback. His pass-rush plan is calculated and intelligent using leverage to create opportunities to counter good pass sets by opponents. 
As a run defender, Latu is effective against opposing tight ends. He uses the stack-and-shed method to create and maintain separation before working toward the ball carrier.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/laiatu-latu/32004c41-5472-6759-478e-3fedff810c53


ADONAI “AD” MITCHELL/WR/UT (nominated by Synric/Report by Chris Plum)


He has good size for an outside receiver with great athletic traits. Mitchell has the speed to stretch the defense vertically or pick up chunk yardage in run-after-catch situations. He also has the ability to sink his hips and change directions suddenly, allowing him to move like a much smaller receiver.

Mitchell is also a willing blocker for his teammates. He was used as a blocker on the perimeter for off-tackle runs, wide receiver sweeps, and screens. He was also used tight to the offensive line in short-yardage situations. He has enough strength to effectively block most cornerbacks and smaller safeties, as well as the toughness to work to sustain his blocks for as long as possible.

NFL.COM PAGE: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/adonai-mitchell/32004d49-5405-6120-269b-4e222571d8ba