Despite having undeniable star power, the 2025 season was the worst for the Cincinnati Bengals since Joe Burrow‘s rookie season in 2020. From August to December, Cincinnati fans had to put up with one of the worst defenses in the league, a still-struggling offensive line and questionable play calling.
Bengals Draft Picks:
Thankfully, the Bengals have eight different picks to address these needs:
- Round 1: Pick 10
- Round 2: Pick 41
- Round 3: Pick 72
- Round 4: Pick 110
- Round 6: Pick 189
- Round 6: Pick 199
- Round 7: Pick 221
- Round 7: Pick 226
Bengals Positions of Need:
The Bengals notably parted ways with Trey Hendrickson, who signed a four-year, $112 million deal with AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati also notably said goodbye to starting offensive lineman Ted Karas, defensive end Joseph Ossai, and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt.
The Bengals have had the same issues with the defense and offensive line for the last couple of seasons now. Their positions of need are:
- EDGE
- DB
- LB
- OL
Key Draft Targets for Bengals:
Rueben Bain Jr.– EDGE –Miami
Cincinnati will be looking for a player that can impact the squad immediately and the two main candidates that are projected to fall within the 10th pick of the draft are Caleb Downs and Ruben Bain Jr.
The departure of one of Cincinnati’s most productive pass rushers in franchise history will push the Bengals to draft the top edge in this year’s draft. Bain Jr. is strong and relentless, who stands out due to his ability to disrupt offenses, recording 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks this season.
Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State
If Bain Jr. does not fall to the Bengals, which recent projections have found increasingly unlikely, Downs is another solid option to be an impact player for the Queen City. The Ohio State safety’s versatility and flexibility is one of the key aspects the Bengals have been missing in their defense and place him within the top 20 selections in most mock drafts.
Downs would challenge the ceiling of the defensive unit, dictate how offenses attack the Bengals, and could create crucial windows for takeaways.
Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. is projected to fall in the early-to-mid second round. Hill Jr. would address the immediate issues of a lack of depth in the defensive squad, while providing versatility and output to the squad. The Longhorn racked up 249 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles during 32 starts for Texas, with a good defensive IQ and great football instincts.
Hill Jr. has been criticized for his lack of size, however, his maturity and athleticism compensate for his smaller stature. His play style makes him a great candidate to play at the next level, and ease into an impact role for the Bengals’ defense.
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