Once again, it’s that time of year to dust off the crystal ball and attempt to outwit de facto general manager Duke Tobin and the company’s think tank.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ top three needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft appear to be running back, offensive lineman, and defensive tackle, in that order (the wide receiver situation will probably work itself out for 2024).

Let’s get right into our predictions for the first three rounds of that draft without any further delay.

Pick No. 18 in the first round: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Jonah Williams, who is most certainly heading toward free agency, has to be replaced by an offensive lineman for the Bengals. However, there will be a solid offensive lineman available when Cincinnati selects in the second round because it is one of the deepest positions in the draft. Do you recall Andrew Whitworth?

Newton is smaller than most defensive tackles at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, but so were Geno Atkins and Aaron Donald. When it comes to attacking, Newton is powerful and physically fit, and his upper-body strength enables him to break blocks.

Newton finished the previous season with 52 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 12 games with the Illini. In addition to winning the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award and the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year award, he was selected as a consensus All-American.

Round 2, Pick No. 49: Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, overtime

The Bengals will now turn their attention to the offensive line as they search for a replacement for Jonah Williams after their reinforcement of the trench defense.

6′ 7 and 327 pounds. 5.10 out of 40.Is proficient at pulling when requested, demonstrating the quickness, dexterity, and general range to emerge as a lead blocker.

This one is almost a no-brainer if Guyton is still on the board when the Bengals’ number is called. Guyton participated in ten games for the Sooners as a senior, blocking 355 pass block sets, giving up no sacks, three hits, and nine hurries. He possesses the size and demeanor Cincinnati craves, along with experience at both right and left tackle.

Round 3, Pick No. 80: Florida State’s Trey Benson, RB

Joe Mixon’s tenure in Cincinnati is obviously coming to an end, and now would be the ideal time to select his replacement in the draft. Chase Brown, a former Illinois star, is already a member of the Bengals, but two game-breakers are necessary for a successful ground game.

Benson most definitely meets the bill. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 223 pounds, he can sprint a 4.37 40 and change direction quickly. Additionally, he still has a full tank of gas.

Benson averaged 5.8 yards per run as a junior for the Seminoles, gaining 905 yards on just 156 carries and scoring 14 touchdowns. He amassed 990 yards as a sophomore on 154 carries (6.4 yards per attempt), scoring nine touchdowns.

If Benson is not selected, Cincinnati may choose to select Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum, a two-time All-American and the Offensive MVP of the 2023 College Football Playoff Championship game.

The sole criticism of Corum, who stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, is that he ran for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior year before adding 1,245 yards and 27 more in his final year.