The time for the NFL Draft has almost arrived after a long spring of the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and a host of pro day and private workouts. For the 32 teams in the NFL, the draft is a significant opportunity to fill in holes in their roster and upgrade key positions. Like many NFL teams, the Cincinnati Bengals need several potential playmakers at key positions on offense and defense.
During this year’s draft, the Cincinnati Bengals currently only have six draft picks, and unless they find a trade deal to gain more picks, they will need to make those six picks count.
During free agency, the Bengals shored up their wide receiver positions by agreeing to contract extensions that boosted the salaries of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Most of the Bengals; immediate needs that they will need to address during this year’s draft will be on the defensive side of the ball.
Last season, the Bengals struggled to find consistency on the defensive side of the ball while allowing 25.5 points per game. If the Bengals are going to improve their defense’s performance, they will need to target Safeties, Linebackers, and Edge Rushers. In addition to those defensive needs, the Bengals also need at least one offensive guard to bolster their offensive line.
The Bengals’ top priority should be meeting their immediate needs on defense and offensive line. If they are able to meet those needs, they could also benefit from adding a consistent contributor at running back and a tight end capable of adding strength to their running game while also adding another potential target for quarterback Joe Burrow and their passing game.
Round 1, Pick 17 – Safety Malaki Starks, University of Georgia
The Bengals have struggled to rebuild their defensive secondary after losing Jesse Bates to the Atlanta Falcons during free agency in 2023. Bates was an elite safety officer who could come into the box and alley to stop the Bengals’ opponent’s run game. He was also a key player in the secondary in preventing explosive plays in the passing game. Starks can fill the hole left open by Bates’s moving on, and adding Starks should help the Bengals limit explosive plays in their opponents’ running and passing games.
Round 2, pick 49 – Edge Rusher Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
One of the Bengals’ biggest failures during free agency this spring has involved their relationship with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. During the 2024 season, Hendrickson led the NFL in quarterback sacks with 17.5 sacks. Hendrickson clarified that he wanted a contract extension with a larger salary this off-season.
Instead of reaching an agreement with Hendrickson, the Bengals have found nearly every way to offend the defensive end, and Hendrickson has made it clear that he wants to be traded or he will sit out the season. No matter which outcome the Bengals and Hendrickson reach, the edge rusher will be a high-need position for the Bengals, and the 2025 draft has a deep list of edge rushers available. For Cincinnati, Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton brings a balanced mix of speed and power off the edge.
Round 3, Pick 81 – Linebacker Demetrius Knight, University of South Carolina
For the last several seasons, the Bengals defense have been at least a man short at their inside linebacker position. In a draft that is rich with defensive players, there is no time like the present for the Bengals to play Will linebacker and provide support for Middle linebacker Logan Wilson. Demetrius Knight has the potential to become a solid linebacker in the NFL, and as a 3rd round pick, he will not break the Bengals bank.
Round 4, Pick 119 – Inside Offensive Lineman Charles Grant, William & Mary
Since drafting quarterback Joe Burrow as the Bengal’s first pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Cincinnati has been unable to stabilize its offensive line with an emphasis on pass protection. The result has led to Joe Burrow taking several additional hits every season, which has led to some of Burrow’s injury issues over the last several years. Grant comes to the NFL as a legitimate prospect at left tackle. Still, he can move to offensive guard, allowing him to boost the middle of the Bengals’ offensive line in passing and running situations.
Round 5, Pick 153 – Running Back Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
While running back is not an urgent need for the Bengals in this draft, they could benefit from adding a late-round quality running back. Tuten lacks elite running back talent. He has what it takes to be a solid role player in the Bengals offensive backfield and take some of the load off of Chase Brown, Zack Moss, and Samaje Perine. Like Burrow, the Bengals’ running backs take many more hits than they would if they had a more dominant offensive line, and having a solid role player at running back is not only a great idea but also a necessity.
Round 6, Pick 193 – Tight End Mitchell Evans, University of Notre Dame
While the Bengals do not have a high need for a tight end, they have recently lacked consistency at the position. In 2024, Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki shared the load at tight end. Bringing in an additional tight end like Evans will provide options to the Bengals’ run game, and Evans could be a diamond in the rough when it comes to giving Burrow another option in the passing game.
For more football content check out Football Scientific
Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7
