Bengals attack their biggest need in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft with one of the youngest players they could draft
As the offseason gets closer and closer, 2025 NFL Draft plans for the Cincinnati Bengals becomes clearer and clearer. Cincinnati boasts a high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. That duo isn't going anywhere, regardless of the latter's contract status. The other side of the ball is where focus is desperately needed. There […]
As the offseason gets closer and closer, 2025 NFL Draft plans for the Cincinnati Bengals becomes clearer and clearer.
Cincinnati boasts a high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. That duo isn't going anywhere, regardless of the latter's contract status.
The other side of the ball is where focus is desperately needed. There isn't a single aspect of the Bengals' defense that is competent and it all starts up front with the pass rush. That's why AJ Schulte's latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft for A to Z Sports has the Bengals addressing that exact need with the 11th overall pick.
Bengals select Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Picking just outside of the top 10 in the current draft order, the Bengals ended up with one of the youngest players to have declared for the draft. Scourton, a three-year player who spent time at two programs, won't turn 21 until the end of his first preseason next year. He'll be one of the youngest players to hear his name called during the first round because of the skillset he's already developed at both Purdue and Texas A&M. The potential for him to get even better is definitely there as well.
"Watching the Bengals' pass rush this season has been pretty disappointing. It's entirely been driven by Trey Hendrickson, as high draft picks Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai haven't panned out. To make matters worse, Hendrickson has just one year left on his deal. If he leaves and the Bengals haven't fixed it by then, it could get ugly. Nic Scourton has to fix his body but his quickness mixed with the power he added this season, he has the potential to be a terrific pass rusher at the NFL level." – A to Z Sports' AJ Schulter
Scourton has an average draft positioning of 13th overall in A to Z Sports mock drafts this year, right where the Bengals may find themselves in the actual draft order depending on how the regular season ends. His motor matches what the Bengals highly value with their defensive linemen as well.
"Scourton has logged 15 games in row with multiple pass rush pressures or a sack when logging at least 25 snaps. His tenacity, every down punch-you-in-the-face style, and variety of ways to win makes him one of the most consistent edge defenders in all of college football." – A to Z Sports' Travis May
The Bengals may be looking for three new starters along the defensive line next year, and Trey Hendrickson may not be around beyond next season. Scourton would be one of several additions in an effort to rebuild the position group from the ground up.
Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft shows how the Bengals start their roster reset with Ohio State’s help
Cincinnati can double dip at its nearby powerhouse program.
