2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys stock up offense, Panthers reach at QB
By Randy Gurzi
Utah. player. Clark Phillips III. 26. 56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Another year and another AFC North title. The Cincinnati Bengals won their division with 10 wins in 2021 and now took it with a 12-4 record in 2022. Of course, they had one fewer game than everyone else — except the Buffalo Bills — since they were part of the scary incident involving Damar Hamlin.
The NFL’s solution for the playoffs was ridiculous but they did the right thing in canceling the game. As for their chances of winning it all, they came close last year and they’re playing out of their minds again as the season winds down.
Having said that, they could use more talent at cornerback. Sure, they’ve added a lot to the secondary in recent years but they’re going to have to slow down players such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert in the AFC in order to make it to the Super Bowl again.
That’s why Clark Phillips III is the pick in Round 1. Phillips doesn’t have elite height at 5-foot-10 but he’s a ball hawk. He had nine picks in three seasons but six of those came in 2022. He has a nose for the ball and that could be a huge benefit for the Bengals.