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.

The Cincinnati Bengals enter free agency on Wednesday, March 12 with money to spend, needs to fill and contract extensions to iron out. Like the rest of the NFL, the Bengals really got started during free agency's legal tampering window, which started on Monday.

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.