Carrington Valentine visits with Cincinnati Bengals ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals are fresh off of consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, but the AFC North franchise is rebuilding in the secondary. Starting safeties Vonn Bell (Carolina Panthers) and Jessie Bates (Atlanta Falcons) just left via free agency and starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is entering the final season of a three-year contract.
The Bengals have some rebuilding to do in the secondary. After spending a first-round pick on safety (Dax Hill) and a second-round pick on cornerback (Cam Taylor-Britt) in the 2022 NFL Draft, the secondary position is not a huge need but it is a need.
Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine could be a Day 3 fit for the Bengals. The Cincinnati native had a visit with the hometown professional football team this week, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
In Lexington, Valentine played in a zone-heavy scheme but some of his best plays were in man coverage. The former three-star recruit has some explosive speed and athleticism and each of those traits were confirmed at the NFL Scouting Combine and Kentucky’s pro day. The blend of athleticism, man coverage potential, and zone scheme background should make Valentine a draftable prospect.
The Bengals could be a good fit for the Kentucky cornerback as there is a clear need on the roster. In the past, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and the Cincinnati front office has valued speed and coverage versatility in the secondary. This could end up being a great fit for the Moeller alum to setup a homecoming playing with Joe Burrow’s Bengals.
Multiple franchises are sniffing around the Kentucky cornerback who was a three-and-done in Lexington. Carrington Valentine is looking to lock-in a draft spot before the party gets started on April 27 in Kansas City.
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