cincinnati Bengals Eye Defensive Boost in 2025 NFL Draft
CINCINNATI — After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals are poised to prioritize defensive upgrades in the 2025 NFL Draft. Armed with six total picks,including the 17th overall selection,the Bengals aim to bolster their defense and support new defensive coordinator al Golden.
bengals’ Draft Capital and Key Needs
- First Round Pick: 17th Overall
- Total Draft Picks: 6 (17, 49, 81, 119, 153, 193)
The Bengals’ disappointing 2024 season highlighted the need for defensive improvements, despite a late-season surge that saw them win five consecutive games. With one of the league’s most potent offenses already in place, the focus shifts to fortifying the defense through the draft.
Priority Focus: Edge Rusher
Addressing the defensive line is a critical need for Cincinnati. While Trey Hendrickson remains a dominant pass rusher, uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the team necessitates exploring edge rushing options early in the draft. Although Joseph Ossai showed promise with 5 sacks in his last 7 games, his consistency isn’t guaranteed. The Bengals need reliable depth, especially considering the limited impact thus far from rookies Myles Murphy and Cedric Johnson.
Other Potential Draft needs
The Bengals could address other defensive vulnerabilities in the first round. Linebacker is a significant area for potential advancement, with Germaine Pratt requesting a trade and the team struggling against the run. A defensive lineman or linebacker could provide immediate stability. Cornerback is also a position of interest. The departure of Mike Hilton creates an chance to add talent and foster competition within the existing cornerback group.
if the Bengals do not sign a Guard before the draft, they will need to find one. Alex Cappa’s departure and Cordell Volson’s performance left holes in that position that need to be addressed at the draft.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Could the Bengals trade up or down from the 17th pick?
Cincinnati bengals Eye Defensive Boost in 2025 NFL Draft - Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the Bengals’ draft strategy, answering your burning questions:
Q&A
- Q: Why is the Bengals’ focus on defense in the 2025 draft?
- A: After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, the Bengals recognize that their potent offense needs a stronger defensive complement. Boosting the defense is seen as key to playoff success.
- Q: What are the Bengals’ draft picks?
- A: They have six picks in total, including the 17th overall selection in the first round, and selections in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
- Q: What is the Bengals’ biggest defensive need?
- A: Edge rusher is a top priority. While Trey Hendrickson is a force, the team needs to prepare for the future and add depth to the position. Consider that the Bengals defense had 38 sacks, 5th best in the NFL.
- Q: Besides edge rusher, what other positions might they target?
- A: Linebacker is another potential area for betterment, due to Germaine Pratt‘s trade request and struggles against the run. Cornerback is also a need due to Mike Hilton’s departure, and if they don’t sign a guard, they will draft one.
- Q: How does the Bengals’ draft position impact their strategy?
- A: The 17th overall pick gives them the opportunity to select a high-impact defensive player,potentially an edge rusher,linebacker,or cornerback,depending on who’s available.There is a lot of talent in this draft class, which will benefit the Bengals.
The 2025 draft presents a prime opportunity for the Bengals to solidify their defense and enhance their chances of making a deep playoff run. Keep an eye on the upcoming draft!
