2025 NFL Draft Mailbag: Cincinnati Bengals draft plan, Kaleb Johnson’s place in a loaded RB group, and cornerback flexibility
We are just a month until the 2025 NFL Draft officially kicks off. At this point, we have learned pretty much everything we need to know about the talented prospects in this class. That includes the strengths, weaknesses, testing numbers, and off-field concerns that are available to the masses. As we head down the homestretch, […]
We are just a month until the 2025 NFL Draft officially kicks off. At this point, we have learned pretty much everything we need to know about the talented prospects in this class. That includes the strengths, weaknesses, testing numbers, and off-field concerns that are available to the masses.
As we head down the homestretch, there is still time to get to know the class even better. In this week's mailbag, we discuss the Cincinnati Bengals draft plans, the versatility in the cornerback class, Will Johnson, and the top of the offensive line group. As always, shoutout to everyone who submitted questions this week.
Top 2025 offensive lineman
My top ranked offensive tackle in the 2025 class is Josh Simmons from Ohio State. He was an extremely interesting athlete at San Diego State, and showcased those raw tools with the Buckeyes in 2023 but Simmons was very inconsistent. His game, however, went to another level in 2024. With a ton of offensive tackles that may have to move inside on the next level, Simmons is one there is no question that his athletic skill set will allow him to stick outside.
Simmons is my top ranked offensive lineman but a quick shoutout to Tyler Booker (Alabama), my top ranked interior player. Some people are overthinking Booker based on his athletic testing, but he is a tremendous football player with absurd strength.
Drafting for the Cincinnati Bengals
One player that I have consistently mocked to the Bengals is Michigan nose tackle Kenneth Grant. The 6-3, 330-pound behemoth isn’t a finished product, but his athletic skills are absurd. Grant’s raw power is borderline ridiculous. He also moves at an unreal level for a player his size.
If you want a more versatile defensive tackle then Oregon’s Derrick Harmon could be an interesting fit. Harmon could play anywhere from 0-Tech to a 4i as well. He has impact potential.
There are some questions about where Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr. ends up coming off the board. Due to some character concerns, there is a decent chance that Pearce could last to the end of the first round. If a team like the Bengals are comfortable with them, however, there may not be a more talented pass rusher in the 2025 class.
Cornerback versatility
In order for a cornerback to project well inside at nickel, you have to be able to mirror well, but also fit against the run as well. I believe that Will
Johnson (Michigan) absolutely could play both outside and in the slot. Jahdae Barron (Texas) is probably the easiest projection. I actually think Barron projects better inside, but also can play outside in a zone heavy scheme. A little bit further down the board, Cobee Bryant (Kansas) is one of the easiest projections as an outside and in player, as well as Jacob Parrish (Kansas State).
How good is Will Johnson?
Johnson is a really good football player, but I wouldn’t put a generational label on him. I would label him more as one of the higher floor cornerbacks in the class. Johnson is a very clean prospect, possessing a tremendous combination of size, instincts, and hip fluidity.
Kaleb Johnson’s place in a loaded RB class
Johnson is a good football player, but some of the hype early on was a little bit much. He projects well as an early down runner but there is just nothing dynamic about him. He’s right around the fifth ranked running back for me, and expect him to come off the board sometime in Round Three.
RAS translation
This is an interesting question. Without looking at historical data, I would think that Relative Athletic Score (RAS) would be more conclusive with athletes in increased space. You would think that’s where athleticism is highlighted most, so at cornerback, and wide receiver, among other positions. With that in mind, I would bet that the interior offensive line is one that RAS has the most outliers. Remaining in tight spaces should eliminate the deficiencies from an athleticism perspective, at least in theory.
Miami standout puts up Pro Day performance that makes him a 2025 NFL draft outlier in worst possible way
Film doesn’t lie, but does it translate?
