3 Bengals’ Steal Of The Draft Targets
Credit: Phil Didion via Imagn Images
Now that the NFL Draft is less than a month away and free agency is in the rear view mirror, organizations are beginning to do their homework. The Bengals are no different, as they will have six selections in the Green Bay festivities, as they traded away their 2025 seventh round pick for rental running back Khalil Herbert.
With defense and offensive line expected to be a major priority in this year’s draft, the Bengals now have to take a look at which players will be the foundation of the future of their team, especially with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins receiving their long awaited paydays.
While missing on a late round pick isn’t necessarily world-ending, striking gold on a late round pick can help the Bengals catch a huge break, especially as their beloved offensive trio receives their massive paydays. Which late round players could the Bengals select in this year’s draft?
1. Luke Kandra, G, Cincinnati
For all of you who are fans of homegrown talent, here ya go.
Luke Kandra is a graduate of Elder High School, which is the alma mater of your worst cousin who scored one career goal as a lacrosse player and hasn’t shut up about it since. He played two seasons at Louisville, then trekked back up I-75 to play his final two seasons for the Bearcats, where he was a two year starter. After allowing four sacks in his redshirt junior year, he turned around to have a much better season in 2024, where he allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and only eight pressures.
.@luke_kandra
IOL Luke Kandra's tape has really caught my attention recently.➖0.3% sack allowed rate, 0.1% (!!) penalty rate.
➖Road-grading run blocker with exceptional athleticism.Super well-rounded player with an amazing character, pushing a Day 2 grade for me. 🌟 https://t.co/mAS7Kt6D1y pic.twitter.com/L0BLclPU5n
— Sideline Spark 🎥 (@SidelineSpark) February 22, 2025
His strong season last year not only earned him First-Team All Big 12 honors, but he was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he led all participants in the bench press with 33 reps. While Kandra doesn’t project to be an immediate NFL starter, the recent signing of former Saints guard Lucas Patrick would hypothetically give the Cincy native some leeway as he adjusts to the NFL.
Kandra’s scouting report has lauded his strength, high football IQ, durability, and agility. However, his technique, limited versatility (he was primarily a right guard), and limited ceiling are some of his areas for concern. That said, he has the ability to be a solid starter at right guard if he reaches his potential. He projects as a fifth round pick, but due to the many teams around the league who need a guard, he may go higher.
Speaking of familiarity…
2. Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
The moment Al Golden was hired, I said to myself “We’re gonna see him bring some of his former players with him.” Among the candidates are cornerback Benjamin Morrison, safety Xavier Watts (yes please), and day 3 prospect Jack Kiser, who had nothing but good things to say about Golden.
Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser raves about his former DC Al Golden at his NFL Combine podium.
“We never went into a game feeling that we weren’t prepared and I think that’s an edge we had on defense. And then he’s such a cerebral guy.” #Bengals | @WLWT pic.twitter.com/xLUJMEFK5V
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) February 26, 2025
Kiser is a bit of an older prospect, as he will turn 25 by the time the regular season rolls around. However, he has already made a name for himself as a solid run defender who rarely misses tackles (he only had five in all of 2024), which was strong for a player who was Notre Dame’s leading tackler last season. Though he is occasionally inconsistent in coverage, he made waves with his coverage skill set at the Senior Bowl and can play well against tight ends.
#NotreDame LB Jack Kiser had a really clean positional workout last night. Thought this was one of his best reps. Could hear the other LBs buzzing louder and louder as it went on. pic.twitter.com/Ft0XpkXhuZ
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) February 28, 2025
Kiser is projected to be an early Day 3 pick. With the trade request of Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither’s departure for the Cardinals, the Bengals are in need of a linebacker. They have not drafted a linebacker since 2020, which was before they revealed their newest jerseys. 2025 would be a great time to break that streak, especially with one of Al’s Golden Boys potentially there for the taking.
3. Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
The Bengals are likely to take an edge rusher early in the draft, especially with the sudden retirement of Sam Hubbard. They are in dire need of pass rushing help, especially with Trey Hendrickson in an uncertain situation, Joseph Ossai on a one year contract, and Myles Murphy having a mediocre start to his career (though his career is far from set in stone). There’s a good chance they exit the 2025 NFL Draft with multiple edge rushers. Enter Ahmed Hassanein.
Hassanein, who spent much of his childhood in Egypt, was a dynamic pass rusher in his last two years at Boise State, as he combined for 22 sacks over that time span. He has an aggressive play style and relentless motor that has been an integral part of his elite production over the last couple years.
Loved the way Ahmed Hassanein worked throughout the entire workout
Brought a lot of juice, especially early on. Some great finishes to drills.
Hassanein is a great story. Thought he stood out at @ShrineBowl practices last month as well pic.twitter.com/EFIAIAJmwb
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) February 28, 2025
Hassanein is a bit of a developmental prospect and is overly reliant on his bull rushing technique; he’s essentially the pass rushing equivalent of a pitcher who can throw a 102 miles per hour fastball but can’t do much else. When it works, it really works, but he will need to develop more moves in order to be a more versatile edge defender at the next level. However, he’s a strong player with impeccable character and an insane work ethic, and he’s a strong candidate to be a draft steal for whatever team takes a chance on him on Day 3.
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