Make no mistake, they could still add players. Brandon Scherff at guard would make some sense. But sitting on their hands to start what was widely held as a "bad" free-agency class until the top guys are off the market is terrible for optics -- and likely bad for the team in 2025, too.

With the first part of free agency in the books, it's a good time to put together a seven-round mock for the Bengals. For this mock, we are using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator. Starks could be a legitimate top-10 talent in this draft class and safety is still a key need as the Bengals look to revamp their defense with new defensive coordinator Al Golden.

The Cincinnati Bengals have the power to make this right. Cincinnati Bengals Sign Joe Burrow Bodyguard Brandon Scherff in Free Agency Prediction So far, the Bengals have largely stuck to their own, re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki and defensive tackle B.

While one report says the Bengals have an interest in Chicago Bears free-agent guard Teven Jenkins, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway reports that the team won't be involved with Mekhi Becton of the Philadelphia Eagles. Per Conway, there isn't "a fit on either side" of that potential pairing.