Final Bengals 2025 NFL Draft grades reflect early gambles with roster needs and value picks in later rounds
That's a wrap on the 2025 NFL Draft.The Cincinnati Bengals prioritized needs early on and rounded out their six-player class with quality value to fill other roster holes. They'll continue to add college free agents and potentially make another move in veteran free agency in the coming weeks.The careers of these players have only just […]
That's a wrap on the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals prioritized needs early on and rounded out their six-player class with quality value to fill other roster holes. They'll continue to add college free agents and potentially make another move in veteran free agency in the coming weeks.
The careers of these players have only just begun, and it's far too early to tell how their journeys will unfold. Grading each pick will revolve around my own pre-draft evaluations of the players while factoring in the value Cincinnati received relative to how the consensus viewed them.
Here's a look at my pick-by-pick grades for the newest members of the Bengals.
Round 1, Pick 17: Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
Grade: C-
The consensus says this is where Stewart belonged in the draft and his elite speed and explosion for his size does give him immense promise if everything clicks with him, but it'll be a long road to get him to that point. Stewart is still very young and has time to develop with Trey Hendrickson, Myles Murphy, and Joseph Ossai populating the position. He also appears to have the right mindset to improve his game. The downside being his lack of production on several fronts puts him in a bucket of players who—historically—have to overcome great odds to become long-term starters. There's just as much risk here as there is promise with a top-20 pick.
Round 2, Pick 49: South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
Grade: C+
Cincinnati was determined to find a starting linebacker and Knight was defensive coordinator Al Golden's top target. The 24-year old only started two years at the college level despite being one of the oldest players in this class, but the tape showed plenty of power, instincts, and movement ability. The board tells you the Bengals very much reached here, and until Knight proves otherwise with his play, that's reflected with this grade.
Round 3, Pick 81: Georgia G Dylan Fairchild
Grade: B-
Fairchild was another reach according to the consensus, but like Knight, he fills a dire need. Cincinnati couldn't afford to leave the draft without finding a potential starting guard, which is what Fairchild will have the opportunity to become as soon as he starts practicing. Reaching at this juncture is slightly more forgivable and the fit at left guard is very clear.
Round 4, Pick 119: Clemson LB Barrett Carter
Grade: B
Drafting Knight back in the second round makes landing Carter two rounds later all the more thought-provoking. Sometimes the board falls the way it falls and taking one of the true best players available is simply the way to go. Carter was a productive backer who took on a leadership role for Clemson, and he'll now be developed alongside Knight by a DC with a background in coaching their position. The value here is better than any pick that came before it, but reaching for another player at the same position earlier dings it still.
Round 5, Pick 153: Miami OT Jalen Rivers
Grade: B+
Along with a starting guard, the Bengals needed a swing tackle to develop behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. Rivers can be that on top of providing depth at practically any other offensive line position. He played both tackle and guard in college and even snapped at center for teams at the Senior Bowl this offseason. Finding versatile players like Rivers who looked the part on tape in the heart of Day 3 is quality drafting, even if he's not in line to start right away. The consensus expected him to be off the board at this point.
Round 6, Pick 193: Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks
Grade: B
It's hard to do much better than drafting a player in the sixth round who was expected to go off the board in the sixth round. Brooks ran hard for five years at Texas Tech and doesn't plan on stopping in the NFL. He's a schematic fit who can push Samaje Perine and Zack Moss for snaps behind Chase Brown in what should be a deep running back room in Cincinnati.
Full Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Class
- 1st round, 17th pick: Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
- 2nd round, 49th pick: South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
- 3rd round, 81st pick: Georgia G Dylan Fairchild
- 4th round, 119th pick: Clemson LB Barrett Carter
- 5th round, 153rd pick: Miami OT Jalen Rivers
- 6th round, 193rd pick: Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks
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