The Zac Taylor era in Cincinnati Bengals have had their fair share of ups and downs, but for all the questions around Taylor's leadership, his draft record is impressive. The obvious names that spring to mind are Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins in 2020, and Ja'Marr Chase the following year, but there have been countless value picks too.
In the 2026 draft, it was a different strategy from Taylor and the front office, as they traded their first-rounder for Dexter Lawrence, but there were still some really solid picks this year. Cashius Howell in the second round looks like a great addition, and Tacario Davis and Colbie Young are beginning to look like value picks in the third and fourth rounds too.
The 2023 Bengals draft class is heading into a prove it year
However, looking over the past seven years under Taylor, the draft class that perhaps stands out as the most impressive was the 2023 class. But, it will only be considered one of the best if several names prove themselves in 2026.
That's because Myles Murphy, DJ Turner, Jordan Battle, Chase Brown and Andrei Iosivas are all heading into contract years. Looking at all five, they could all have huge impacts in Cincinnati this year, and the Bengals could feasibly sign them all.
Murphy is a starter on the D-line; Battle and Turner are both expected to continue becoming real studs in the secondary, Brown is a legitimate RB1 contender in the NFL this year, and Iosivas is still a reliable weapon for Burrow.
The 2023 class could be the best of the Zac Taylor era
Looking at the names, it could be the deepest and best-value draft class since Taylor came to Cincinnati, as at least Murphy, Battle, Turner, and Brown are all very important pieces heading into 2026, and Iosivas has consistently performed when called upon.
It's a collection of proven talent in the NFL, and Taylor can only hope that the 2026 rookies show the same level of progress in their first year that we saw from the likes of Turner, Battle and Brown as rookies after they came to Cincinnati.
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