Predicting Every Round Of Bengals’ Draft Based On Needs
Syndication: The Enquirer
Former Bengals owner Paul Brown once famously said “You draft for need and don’t let anybody tell you any differently.” While the “take the best player available” is good in theory, doing so would have led to a contentious quarterback battle between Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and beyond. Rather, taking the best player available at positions of need is how you build a balanced roster.
The Bengals have a golden opportunity to build a strong roster with an expected emphasis on defense in the upcoming draft. As of now, they have six picks after trading their 2025 seventh round pick for running back Khalil Herbert. Based on the needs they have, in addition to the expected depth at each position, what position groups are the most likely to be addressed in each corresponding round?
We must note, these are subject to change, as free agency has yet to take place. They are allowed to coexist.
Round 1 – Defensive line
It was no secret that the Bengals’ defense experienced significant growing pains in 2024, particularly in the trenches. While play improved upon the insertion of Joseph Ossai into the starting lineup in the latter half of the season, the team still had nearly 50% of its sack production from Trey Hendrickson alone. Improving the defense as a whole starts with beefing up the defensive line; whether that’s a pass rusher or an interior lineman remains to be seen, but as of now, feel free to flip a coin.
Possible selections: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan; Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss; Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall; Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M; Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon; Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia; James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (see, told you it was deep)
Round 2 – Secondary
The secondary had a down year in 2024, particularly due to a lack of depth and injuries all over. Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt are entering the final years of their respective rookie deals, and DJ Turner will be recovering from a clavicle injury he suffered against the Chargers last season. While 2024 fifth rounder Josh Newton had a decent rookie season, the secondary still faces a breadth of uncertainty. With Al Golden’s emphasis on developing young talent, in addition to a couple of his former players likely being available around this time, it’s entirely possible that the Bengals could address this area immediately after shoring up their front seven.
Possible selections: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame; Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (he’s very fast); Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame; Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss; Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Round 3 – Linebacker
One of the big headlines that kicked off the offseason was the news that Germaine Pratt had requested a trade. While it was no secret that Pratt had regressed in 2024, the team will have needed to get younger at the position anyway. Tight end coverage and run defense has been a struggle throughout the past few seasons; while one player won’t fix all those problems, any help would be nice.
Possible selections: Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina; Barrett Carter, Clemson; Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss; Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Round 4 – Guard
Just yesterday, Alex Cappa was released by the team. The news wasn’t all bad for Cappa, though, as he realized that he won’t see me at Target anymore. Nobody deserves that.
Cordell Volson wasn’t much better, but he’s still under contract, and will likely be given one more opportunity to show that he deserves a spot on the roster. The depth isn’t as bad as people make it out to be, and this position will likely be addressed in free agency. However, you can never have too much offensive line help, especially since the offensive line continues to be a point of weakness for the Bengals. With that, some players may be overdrafted due to the significant need at guard for more than a few teams.
Possible selections: Tate Ratledge, Georgia; Luke Kandra, Cincinnati; Willie Lampkin, North Carolina; Connor Colby, Iowa; Tyler Cooper, Minnesota
Round 5 – Running back
The Bengals struck oil with their selection of Chase Brown two years ago. He’s a lightning quick running back who exceeded everyone’s expectations in his first two years in the league, mine included. However, there are not many players behind him. Zack Moss was a disappointment in 2024, Khalil Herbert is not guaranteed to be back next season, and Trayveon Williams is mostly a special teamer. While Chase Brown was perfectly capable of handling the three-down back role, having depth behind him will make his life a lot easier.
Possible selections: Jarquez Hunter, Auburn; Damien Martinez, Miami; Kaleel Mullings, Michigan; Trevor Etienne, Georgia; Brashard Smith; SMU
Round 6 – Offensive tackle
The Bengals had significant injury struggles at the offensive tackle position last season. Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims both missed time, but both finished out the season, while Trent Brown went down with a brutal injury in the Bengals’ Week 3 loss to Washington. Having fortified depth on the offensive line will help ensure that Devin Cochran isn’t thrust into a starting role out of desperation.
Possible selections: Ajani Cornelius, Oregon; John Williams, Cincinnati; Emery Jones, LSU; Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
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