NFL Rumors: Bengals 'Actively Exploring' Trade Down from No. 33 in NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals are willing to trade the No. 33 overall pick in the second round on Friday night, according to multiple reports:

The Bengals have six picks remaining (one in each round), so stockpiling selections in a deep draft—and an especially deep second round—would make sense as the team looks to build a contender around rookie quarterback and top overall pick Joe Burrow. 

Another logical reason to move down, however, is that there is plenty of talent available in the second round. 

That could mean teams may be hesitant to give up assets to get to No. 33, however, barring a team falling in love with a particular player. One thing to monitor is a team moving up to get ahead of the Indianapolis Colts at No. 34 or the New England Patriots at No. 37 to select Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

Or perhaps the Patriots might consider packaging No. 37 and another pick—they have four picks in the third round alone—to get ahead of the Colts. 

As for who the Bengals might consider if they stay put, it's possible the team could focus on the offensive side of the ball and get Burrow more help:

The Bengals are in the ideal position on Friday night. Either they stay put and select the top player on their board, or they move back and pick up additional assets in a deep draft. In the latter scenario, they may still even land a player with a first-round grade. 

The 2019 season was a rough one in Cincinnati, but the team has a real chance to build a strong foundation for the future in this year's draft.