Bengals 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Here's how Cincinnati would need the board to fall in order to fill every pressing roster need
The easiest way to screw up the NFL Draft is by purely addressing needs. Passing on a player much higher on the board for another who can fill a roster hole is a recipe for regret a few years down the road.The Cincinnati Bengals may not admit it, but they're in danger of sleeping in […]
The easiest way to screw up the NFL Draft is by purely addressing needs. Passing on a player much higher on the board for another who can fill a roster hole is a recipe for regret a few years down the road.
The Cincinnati Bengals may not admit it, but they're in danger of sleeping in this bed. Cincinnati is still very much open to finding a starting guard, linebacker, safety while landing notable contributors along the defensive line and at running back. All with just six picks in this month's draft. Much easier said than done.
How can the Bengals check all of those boxes without reaching for need? A path may not exist when the picks start rolling in before their time on the clock. If I were to imagine what that path would look like, here's a best case scenario for addressing their most pressing needs.
1.17: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
There's agreement around the league regarding the very best linebacker in this class. Campbell was recruited to Alabama as a five-star edge rusher but eventually transitioned to being an off-ball backer during his two years starting for the Crimson Tide. His straight-line speed matched his 40 time of 4.52, but he can move just as fast laterally and is powerful against would-be blockers and drives through tackles. Outside of playing the position for not very long, he's recovering from a slightly torn labrum and had his knee scoped in 2023.
If Campbell's medical comes out clean, he shouldn't make it to the Bengals' first-round pick. If his medical is concerning, there's a question if he's worth the pick at all. But when you're drafting for pure needs, this is a risk you may find yourself taking when the rest of the linebacker class pales in comparison and you want to move on from Germaine Pratt.
2.49: Notre Dame S Xavier Watts
This pairing has been made by every Bengals writer at least once this offseason. If the Bengals want to replace Geno Stone and give new defensive coordinator Al Golden a free safety to build around, drafting his free safety from Notre Dame is the most sensible route to take. Watts won't wow anyone with his athleticism, but man does he find the ball in the air. 13 interceptions and 27 passes defensed in his 29 games is no joke. He'd pair wonderfully with Jordan Battle in two-high shells.
The Bengals drafted Jessie Bates with the 54th pick in the 2018 draft and cut ties with incumbent starter George Iloka later in that offseason. If Cincinnati wants to give Stone a real run for his money, drafting his replacement early may be a requirement.
3.81: LSU G Miles Frazier
A guard had to come at some point in a draft for pure need. The Bengals have both spots open for business right now. Frazier, who was a left tackle at Florida International before transferring to LSU and playing both guard spots for the Tigets, fits what the Bengals have shown clear interest this pre-draft cycle. The more you can do as an offensive lineman, the more likely the Bengals are to draft you before Day 3. He was charged for just four sacks and quarterback hits allowed in three years against an SEC schedule.
In the actual draft, when need sometimes gets pushed aside from value, I do think the Bengals will draft a guard-tackle hybrid before the end of the third round. Frazier has had no reported contact with the team, but he fits the mold.
4.119: Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten
The Bengals are preparing to draft a running back at some point. The fourth round would be the earliest they will have selected one since 2018 when taking a chance on Mark Walton. Tuten, who was put through drills by the Bengals during his pro day, is freakishly fast and carries a bit of density at 5-9 and 206 pounds. A 4.32 40-yard dash time will certainly play at that size.
Tuten would add another layer of speed alongside Chase Brown while Samaje Perine handles pass-protecting duties.
5.153: Ohio State DT Ty Hamilton
It's tough to lock down when the Bengals may draft a defensive tackle if not in the first round. In terms of pure need, it may not be a position worth drafting outside of the first two rounds with plenty of investment already in the position room. If they prioritize the other pressing needs, a guy like Hamilton becomes a likely option on Day 3. Hamilton played a ton at Ohio State and slowly became more productive as his career progressed, a testament to the work ethic OSU head coach Ryan Ray noted to The Athletic's Dane Brugler.
"He's the ultimate team player," said Day. "Doesn't say a whole lot, but goes to work every day."
Sounds like a fit. Hamilton also visited Cincinnati earlier this week.
6.193: Oklahoma State EDGE Collin Oliver
The last true need of note would be a boost off the edge, and Oliver would add some size diversity to Golden's front. A two-time captain for the Cowboys, Oliver brings enough explosion off the snap to justify being 240 pounds and his motor is just as lethal.
Cincinnati did have contact with Oliver at the NFL Scouting Combine where he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash.
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