A key part of Al Golden’s defensive structure is using a hybrid outside linebacker/edge rusher known as the “Viper” position. The Bengals struggled to agree to contract negotiations with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who produced 35 quarterback sacks in the last two seasons. While Hendrickson is an excellent defensive end, he does not necessarily fit the mold for what Golden needs as a “Viper” player. Golden’s description of his ideal “Viper” is precise: a 6’5″, 250-pound athlete that can rush the passer and drop into pass coverage equally. In the 2025 NFL Draft, several players match that description of an ideal “Viper” athlete.
1. Mykel Williams – Georgia
Mykel Williams matches the prototypical “Viper” the Bengals are pursuing in this draft. Williams has a 6’5″, 265-pound frame and the athleticism to play in space while having the strength and physical attitude needed to stop the run. In addition to having the ideal build and skill set of Golden’s image of a “Viper,” he is also an effective pass rusher who plays with a high motor and can beat offensive tackles off of the edge.
2. James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is another excellent candidate to excel at the “Viper” position in the Bengals’ defensive scheme. Pearce Jr. has a 6’5″, 243-pound frame and has developed a reputation for being an outstanding pass rusher. While playing for the Volunteer, Pearce Jr. also showed the ability and instincts to play well in space. Pearce’s weakness is that he tends to be weak against the run game, especially when getting off blocks against tight ends and offensive tackles.
3. Mike Green – Marshall
Mike Green has some characteristics to be an effective “Viper” for the Bengals’ unlike the first two edge players included here, Green only has two successful seasons of college experience as a starter while playing at Marshall. Green’s build is still prototypical, with a 6’4″, 245-pound frame. Green’s downside is that he has not played consistently against Power 4 competition, and while he is an elite pass rusher with good hands, Green has not shown the ability to play in space if asked to drop into pass coverage.
4. Bradyn Swinson – LSU
Like the other edge rushers on this list, Bradyn Swinson has the ideal build to play as the “Viper” in Golden’s defensive scheme at 6’4″and 250 pounds. Swinson has played against good Power 4 pass blockers while playing at LSU. A questionable aspect of Swinson is that his only season of significant playing time was during his Senior season, and the Bengals will need to show patience as Swinson develops after they draft him. Also, Swinson has a reputation for being soft against the run game of their opponents.
5. Oluwafemi Oladejo – UCLA
Oluwafemi Oladejo has the physical attributes to fit the “Viper” role for the Bengals’ defense. He is 6’3″, 250 pounds, and an elite athlete. The downside of the UCLA edge rusher is that he is raw as a pass rusher, and Oladejo will need a coach willing to help him develop his pass-rushing skills. Oladejo does have what it takes to play in space, but he also needs to improve his ability to be an effective player against the run.
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