Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals needed to load up on the defensive side of the ball and their offensive line after solidifying the future of their offensive skills position by extending the contracts of wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals followed up on those expectations with the decision to draft Edge Shemar Stewart on Day 1 and Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. and Guard Dylan Fairchild on Day 2. On Day 3 of the draft, the Bengals focused on drafting players that could add depth to their defense and offense. In addition to their Day 3 draft picks, the Bengals also attempted to meet their roster needs with various undrafted free agents that, over time, could impact the field for the Bengals.
Round 4, Pick 119 – Linebacker Barrett Carter
During the 4th draft round, the Bengals chose not to look for a player to reinforce their defensive secondary potentially. However, they decided to draft linebacker Barrett Carter to add depth at linebacker. Carter is a 6’0″, 231-pound linebacker who played his college football at Clemson University. Scouts have described Carter as a proto-typical three-down linebacker who can be an outstanding run-stopper in the box while also having the ability to cover backs out of the backfield successfully. Barrett has the potential to develop into being an exceptional Will linebacker for the Bengals.
Round 5, Pick 153 – Tackle Jalen Rivers
In the 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals invested some of their draft capital into adding Miami offensive tackle Jalen Rivers, hoping he will help improve their pass protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. The 6’6″, 319-pound Rivers has the prototypical frame of an outstanding offensive tackle in the NFL. However, Rivers has struggled with injury issues in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Rivers plays well in smaller spaces, making him a good fit as a tackle with a tight end aligned outside, but he could also be moved inside to a guard position.
Round 6, Pick 193 – Running Back Tahj Brooks
One need that the Bengals needed on their offense was a short-yardage back capable of running downhill and picking up hard yards in short-yardage and goal-line situations. In the 6th round of the draft, Cincinnati found a potential fit for their backfield when they selected Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks. The 5’9″, 214-pound Brooks ran for over 100 yards in 19 out of 22 games played for the Red Raiders; he has also shown the ability to set up approaching tacklers, deliver a blow, and fall forward on contact. Brooks also stands out due to his excellent ability to fit into pass protection, although sometimes he is hesitant and appears to have difficulty picking up complex blitz schemes.
Undrafted Free Agents – Additions on Offense
After the draft, the Bengals signed several offensive players who were undrafted free agents to help create more depth at key offensive positions. Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne is a mobile pocket passer who could be a functional 3rd string quarterback, and he is effective at completing passes at an intermediate depth. Along the offensive line, the Bengals signed Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin and BYU tackle Caleb Etienne; Etienne has the physical ability to handle edge rushers but needs to improve the use of his hands while blocking. The Bengals also added Arizona running back Quali Conley, Duke wide receiver Jordan Moore, Oklahoma State wide receiver Rashod Owens, Cincinnati wide receiver Jamoi Mayes, West Virginia tight end Kole Taylor, and Michigan long snapper William Wagner.
Undrafted Free Agents – Additions on Defense
While the Bengals did not address their need to upgrade their safety position during the draft, they attempted to do so by signing Rutgers safety Shaquan Loyal after the draft. The 6’0″, 200-pound Loyal established himself as an effective playmaker for the Scarlet Knights, and in 2024, he posted 77 tackles, one quarterback sack, and intercepted two passes. The Bengals also signed Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross, which resulted in the reuniting of Cross with defensive coordinator Al Golden. In addition, the Bengals also signed Arkansas defensive tackle Eric Gregory, who can engage and occupy blocks but struggles to work off those blocks consistently.
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