What are Cincinnati Bengals' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Last Modified Apr 25, 2025 11:48 GMT
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals. Source: Getty Images

After successfully signing lucrative contract extensions with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to strengthen their defensive line. The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great opportunity to do so, as the defensive draft class is looking promising. (via CBS Sports)

Duke Tobin and the franchise have six picks in hand after they traded their seventh round pick to the Chicago Bears for running back Khalil Herbert in 2024. The positive for the team is that they have an overall 17th selection, which will give Cincinnati room to go for a defensive player as expected by many analysts. Apart from defense, the Bengals will try to upgrade their safety and linebacker position, as per Sports Illustrated.

Cincinnati Bengals' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Bengals will look to get several players at the 2025 NFL Draft who can create an impact immediately. Looking at their 9-8 record in 2024 and no playoff berth, Zac Taylor-led Bengals will try to target areas that will not only help Joe Burrow but also limit the points allowed per game. In 2024, Cincinnati finished 25th in the NFL season for the same, and hence, the team's needs include: Defensive Tackle, Edge, Safety, and Guard (via Cincinnati Bengals' official website)

Guard

In terms of the offensive line, the Bengals are in a good position. However, an addition of a guard might come in handy on the side as they look to provide extra protection to quarterback Joe Burrow. Alabama alum Tyler Brooks is a likely possibility, as per CBS Sports.

Safety

Xavier Watts from Notre Dame is projected to be the 49th pick in the second round for the Bengals. This will allow an opportunity to reunite Watts with defensive coordinator Al Golden, who was the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame previously. CBS Sports has predicted Nick Emmanwori as a perfect safety for the Queen City.

Defensive Tackle

Derrick Harmon from Oregon is a loud and clear choice of many analysts for the Cincinnati Bengals. ESPN reported that Harmon finished last season with five sacks and 34 QB pressures, which is exactly the kind of defense that Cincinnati requires. Meanwhile, the NFL pointed out the versatility of Harmon's play to disrupt the interior.

Edge

According to analysts, defensive end is the position that the Bengals need to focus on the most. CBS Sports has projected Mykel Williams as a possible pick. He has -130 odds to go over 15.5, which takes him out of the Falcons' range, and the Bengals have -150 odds to take an edge as their first pick. This implies that Williams has a great chance of landing in Cincinnati, as per CBS Sports. The NFL has also predicted Mykel Williams as a possible selection for the Bengals. Pro Football Focus has projected Jalon Walker from Georgia for the edge position in the Cincinnati camp.

Other NFL Team Needs in 2025 Draft -

FAQs on Cincinnati Bengals Team Needs

A. Joe Burrow is the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.

A. Mike Brown is the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals.

A. Zac Taylor is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Related Stories

Kyle Shanahan's 49ers get bad Brock Purdy news as Albert Breer reveals missing time for $265,000,000 QB Kyle Shanahan's 49ers get bad Brock Purdy news as Albert Breer reveals missing time for $265,000,000 QB
Kyle Shanahan's 49ers get bad Brock Purdy news as Albert Breer reveals missing time for $265,000,000 QB
1d
"It questions integrity of NFL": Ex-Cowboys DE tears into Tom Brady for juggling Raiders minority ownership and Fox analyst role "It questions integrity of NFL": Ex-Cowboys DE tears into Tom Brady for juggling Raiders minority ownership and Fox analyst role
"It questions integrity of NFL": Ex-Cowboys DE tears into Tom Brady for juggling Raiders minority ownership and Fox analyst role
1d
"Tom Brady has to be absolutely disgusted": NFL fans react as Geno Smith throws 3 INTs with Raiders owner in attendance vs. Chargers on MNF "Tom Brady has to be absolutely disgusted": NFL fans react as Geno Smith throws 3 INTs with Raiders owner in attendance vs. Chargers on MNF
"Tom Brady has to be absolutely disgusted": NFL fans react as Geno Smith throws 3 INTs with Raiders owner in attendance vs. Chargers on MNF
"He's Baker Mayfield's b**ch": Antonio Browns takes shot at CJ Gardner-Johnson after getting humbled by injured Buccaneers QB on MNF "He's Baker Mayfield's b**ch": Antonio Browns takes shot at CJ Gardner-Johnson after getting humbled by injured Buccaneers QB on MNF
"He's Baker Mayfield's b**ch": Antonio Browns takes shot at CJ Gardner-Johnson after getting humbled by injured Buccaneers QB on MNF
"Tom Brady drops three-word message after helping David Beckham stay in shape by hooking up $450,000,000 soccer legend with special fitness gear" "Tom Brady drops three-word message after helping David Beckham stay in shape by hooking up $450,000,000 soccer legend with special fitness gear"
"Tom Brady drops three-word message after helping David Beckham stay in shape by hooking up $450,000,000 soccer legend with special fitness gear"
1d
"That sh*t hurts": Travis Kelce gets brutally honest after dropping a catch during Chiefs vs. Eagles Super Bowl rematch "That sh*t hurts": Travis Kelce gets brutally honest after dropping a catch during Chiefs vs. Eagles Super Bowl rematch
"That sh*t hurts": Travis Kelce gets brutally honest after dropping a catch during Chiefs vs. Eagles Super Bowl rematch
21h
"I don't think this marriage is gonna work": Colin Cowherd predicts doom on Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson future after Bears' 52-21 loss to Lions "I don't think this marriage is gonna work": Colin Cowherd predicts doom on Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson future after Bears' 52-21 loss to Lions
"I don't think this marriage is gonna work": Colin Cowherd predicts doom on Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson future after Bears' 52-21 loss to Lions 
"He's an NBA player that can't get any shots": Colin Cowherd calls out Eagles for wasting A.J. Brown's talents in run-heavy offense "He's an NBA player that can't get any shots": Colin Cowherd calls out Eagles for wasting A.J. Brown's talents in run-heavy offense
"He's an NBA player that can't get any shots": Colin Cowherd calls out Eagles for wasting A.J. Brown's talents in run-heavy offense
1d
Jermaine Johnson's fiancée Hannah Brooke turned heads in denim miniskirt outfit while showing cute baby bump during Jets vs. Bills Week 2 game Jermaine Johnson's fiancée Hannah Brooke turned heads in denim miniskirt outfit while showing cute baby bump during Jets vs. Bills Week 2 game
Jermaine Johnson's fiancée Hannah Brooke turned heads in denim miniskirt outfit while showing cute baby bump during Jets vs. Bills Week 2 game
13h
NFL insider insinuates Tom Brady of cheating over Raiders owner/FOX analyst discussing game plans with OC Chip Kelly every week NFL insider insinuates Tom Brady of cheating over Raiders owner/FOX analyst discussing game plans with OC Chip Kelly every week
NFL insider insinuates Tom Brady of cheating over Raiders owner/FOX analyst discussing game plans with OC Chip Kelly every week
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications