The Cincinnati Bengals opened the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with a less-than-stellar decision to choose edge rusher Shemar Stewart despite higher-rated edge prospects being available. By drafting Stewart, the Bengals missed a golden opportunity to select top-rated safety Malaki Starks and allowed the Baltimore Ravens to select Starks. Fortunately, the Bengals improved their process on day 2 of the draft, and they were able to pick two players who will be expected to make an instant impact for the Bengals in 2025.
Round 2, Pick 49 – LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
South Carolina inside linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. is an outstanding fit for the Bengal’s current needs at the inside linebacker position. During free agency, the Bengals signed Oren Burks, who had helped the Philadelphia Eagles find consistent post-season success, including winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite being criticized for his age, Knight will be a 25-year-old rookie, but with his age comes a wealth of maturity and outstanding technique. During his six-season college football career, Knight played for Georgia Tech (2019-2022), UNC-Charlotte (2023), and South Carolina (2024). While stats can sometimes be misleading, Knight’s career stats show he is a playmaker with 229 tackles, four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, five forced fumbles, and 4.5 quarterback sacks.
Round 3, Pick 81 – Guard Dylan Fairchild
The Bengals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with an immediate need for an upgrade in the offensive guard position. Cincinnati made waves this off-season by hiring offensive line guru Scott Peters, and the Bengals need to give Peters the best possible players to build into an outstanding offensive line. Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild played in 34 games, starting 24 for the Bulldogs. While Fairchild’s primary position on the offensive line is guard, he also can play center. Fairchild has the prototypical frame for a successful guard in the NFL with a 6’5″, 318-pound frame. Athleticism and versatility are Fairchild’s top qualities. He will need some time to develop into a high-performing NFL lineman, but Fairchild should develop quickly with Peters’ leadership and knowledge.
Remaining Needs for Day 3 – Safety
After missing out on the opportunity to draft safety Malaki Starks, the Bengals still need safety during the 3rd round of the 2025 draft. While many top prospects have found destinations heading into Day 3, Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom is still available in the draft. Ransom is an outstanding prospect with a skill set defined by playing man coverage against slot receivers, a quality that Al Golden has valued for his secondary defenders. At 6’1″, 210 pounds, Ransom is a legitimate NFL talent who plays well near the line of scrimmage and possesses outstanding coverage skills. Ransom would be an exceptional choice to replace nickel cornerback Mike Hilton, who was not re-signed during free agency.
Remaining Needs for Day 3 – Cornerback
Another area the Bengals need to address in the waning rounds of the 2025 NFL draft is cornerback. Like Ransom, LSU cornerback Zy Alexander is still available at the start of Day 3, and the 6’1″, 187-pound Alexander brings outstanding man-to-man coverage skills. Ransom’s strengths are his exceptional tackling ability, coverage skills, and man-to-man coverage abilities, especially in a press coverage position. The downside of Alexander is an ACL injury that cut his 2023 season short, but he fully recovered in 2024, where he played in 10 games and recorded 33 tackles and two interceptions.
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