Bengals Select TCU Cornerback in Major 2024 Mock Draft

CINCINNATI — The 2024 NFL Draft is a ways away, but ESPN's Matt Miller predicted the first round this week. He has Cincinnati selecting TCU cornerback Josh Newton with the 30th pick.

"The cornerback position has been a notable weakness on the Bengals' roster, but Newton fits the bill of an NFL starter at 6 feet, 195 pounds," Miller wrote. "The senior had 10 pass breakups and three interceptions last season. He has shown the patience in coverage that coaches love and the length and speed to shut down passing windows. Newton, paired with 2023 second-rounder DJ Turner, could help get the Bengals back into the Super Bowl very quickly."

ESPN's Football Power Index determined the draft order.

A corner in the first round doesn't seem very likely next year given how the roster looks right now. Even if Chidobe Awuzie leaves in free agency, Cincinnati has Turner to replace him. They do not have a solid plan for the right tackle spot given La'el Collins's health issues in recent years and no long-term deal for Jonah Williams.

It's way early in the process so there aren't many mock drafts but Newton ranks 173rd overall on the consensus big board and is the 17th-corner on that list.

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