There will never be a perfect method to predict how the NFL Draft will unfold. The variability of 32 clubs using 32 different big boards in addition to trades will inevitably create chaos.   

The Cincinnati Bengals don't always contribute to said chaos, but you can never be too sure about what any team plans to do in the first round outside of the first few picks. 

ESPN's Draft Day Predictor attempts to solve these mysteries based on team needs, draft history, and other variables that impact draft decisions. And based on their model, there are five players with a significant chance of being taken by the Bengals with the 17th overall pick.

Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell

The consensus top-ranked linebacker is far and away the most likely pick the Bengals could make in the first round. Campbell fits the mold of a modern day linebacker with coverage instincts and tenacious physicality against the run. He's only been playing the position for a few years and he's already extremely good. His upside as a 21-year old is immense. 

Cincinnati taking a true linebacker this early would be unusual, but the need for a new starter to pair next to Logan Wilson is very real as the team looks to move on from Germaine Pratt. Campbell is their best bet if his medical gets the green light.

South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori

Continuing the theme of defensive playmakers, Emmanwori is tough to label positon-wise. He's a safety who can play most anywhere in the second level due to his rare combination of size, speed, and explosion. He's got production, athleticism, and experience against quality competition at just 21 years of age; everything you could want out of a first-round pick.

The Bengals will be interested in drafting a safety to bump Geno Stone out of the starting lineup. Is Emmanwori the ideal player for that role? Maybe not, but he'd be an exciting chess piece for Al Golden's defense.

the bengals could take the first safety in the draft.

between malaki starks and nick emmanwori, they'd get a great player with legit potential, but their differences are notable.

making the case for each of them, and what the bengals are actually looking for in a safety. pic.twitter.com/SRfjzbhbYT

— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) April 17, 2025

Texas CB Jahdae Barron

Cincinnati drafting a cornerback in the first round would be very surprising, even if it's Barron. The Austin, Texas native started three years for his hometown team and thrived in a diverse role for the Longhorns. He repped on the boundary, in the slot, and at safety on his way to leading the SEC in both interceptions (5) and passes defensed (16). 

There's a good chance Barron is the first cornerback off the board, long before the Bengals get on the clock. Even if he falls this far, I think Barron would be lower than other players at greater positions of need. 

Michigan TE Colston Loveland

Tight end isn't too far away from cornerback on the spectrum of surprising picks for the Bengals, but Loveland looks like the player they'd take at the position. He's been in the first round conversation for a year now after the 2023 season wrapped with him helping Michigan win a National Championship. He's still just 21 years old and was incredibly productive as a two-year starter for the Wolverines.

Cincinnati drafted Loveland's former teammate, Erick All Jr., last year and now won't get to see him play again until 2026. Inserting Loveland in All's role would elevate the position room to another level.  

Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr.

The most likely offensive lineman to be drafted at 17th overall according to the model is Banks, a former five-star recruit and three-year starter for Texas at left tackle. On top of preventing pressures and sacks at a high rate, Banks then tested like a high-end athlete at the NFL Scouting Combine, solidifying himself as a top-20 pick. 

Banks would immediately start at either guard spot for the Bengals and could move back to tackle in the future if needed. He makes a ton of sense as a first-round pick.

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