The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 4-13 and missed the playoffs. However, the Bengals have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they are expected to be a contender in the AFC in the next few years. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals are projected to have the eighth overall pick. Here is a look at a potential mock draft for the Bengals in 2025.
With the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Cade Klubnik, quarterback, Clemson. Klubnik is a five-star recruit who is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm and good accuracy. Klubnik is also a good athlete who can scramble and make plays with his feet. He would be a great addition to the Bengals offense, and he could be the franchise quarterback for the next decade.
In the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals select Shemar Stewart, wide receiver, Texas. Stewart is a big, physical receiver who is a good route runner and has great hands. He is also a good blocker, which would be a valuable asset to the Bengals offense. Stewart would be a great complement to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and he could help the Bengals offense become one of the best in the NFL. Overall, the Bengals had a solid draft in 2025. They added some much-needed talent to their roster, and they should be a contender in the AFC in the next few years.
Bengals’ Blueprint for 2025: Reshaping the Roster
An Inside Look at Cincinnati’s 2025 Mock Draft Strategy
The Cincinnati Bengals are strategically planning for the future with an eye towards the 2025 NFL Draft. The team is looking to bolster its roster and address key areas of need to contend for a Super Bowl title. Our mock draft reveals the Bengals’ potential targets and aims to provide insights into their rebuilding process.
First Round (Pick 10): Edge Rusher – Harold Perkins, LSU
With their first pick in the 2025 draft, the Bengals are projected to select Harold Perkins, a highly touted edge rusher from Louisiana State University. Perkins, a 6’3″, 253-pound outside linebacker, possesses exceptional athleticism, speed, and power. He has consistently been among the nation’s top pass rushers, recording double-digit sacks in each of his three seasons at LSU. Perkins’ arrival would add an instant impact to the Bengals’ defense, providing them with a much-needed threat off the edge.
| Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Harold Perkins | Edge Rusher | LSU |
Offensive Reinforcements to Ignite the Bengals’ Offense
Upgrading the Wide Receiver Corps
The Bengals’ passing attack has long suffered from a lack of consistent playmakers at wide receiver. Tee Higgins has emerged as a reliable target, but the rest of the group has failed to step up. In 2025, Cincinnati needs to prioritize acquiring a true number one receiver to pair with Higgins. The upcoming draft class offers several promising prospects, including:
| Player | College | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin Jones Jr. | Georgia | Explosive playmaker with excellent route-running and jumping ability |
| Cameron Brown | Ohio State | Physical specimen with great size and athleticism |
| Dorian Singer | Texas | Versatile receiver with a knack for making contested catches |
Strengthening the Offensive Line
Protecting Joe Burrow and creating running lanes is paramount to Cincinnati’s offensive success. The Bengals’ offensive line has been a revolving door of injuries and inconsistencies. In 2025, the team should focus on adding a blue-chip offensive tackle to solidify the blindside. The following prospects stand out as potential options:
| Player | College | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Walter Nolen | Texas A&M | Massive and athletic tackle with great strength and agility |
| Donovan Green | Texas Tech | Quick and powerful blocker with excellent pass-protecting skills |
| Kelvin Banks | Oregon | Technically sound tackle with a strong anchor and relentless motor |
Balancing the Running Game
While Joe Mixon has been a solid contributor for the Bengals, the team lacks a true bell-cow running back who can carry the offense on his shoulders. In 2025, Cincinnati needs to upgrade the running back position with a player who can complement Mixon and provide a more dynamic threat out of the backfield. Several intriguing prospects to consider include:
| Player | College | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Devin Brown | Ohio State | Explosive runner with excellent speed and cutting ability |
| Justice Haynes | Kentucky | Versatile back with great balance and vision |
| Evan Hull | Northwestern | Tough and physical runner with a strong work ethic |
7. Addressing Defensive Depth in Later Rounds
In the later rounds of the draft, the Bengals should prioritize adding depth to their defense. They need to find players who can provide quality snaps in case of injuries or poor play from starters. Potential targets include:
Cornerback
The Bengals need to find a reliable backup cornerback to play behind Chidobe Awuzie and Eli Apple. They could consider players like Darius Rush from South Carolina or Jaylon Jones from Texas A&M.
Potential Draft Picks
| Round | Player | College |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | Darius Rush | South Carolina |
| 6th | Jaylon Jones | Texas A&M |
Linebacker
The Bengals also need to add depth at linebacker behind Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt. They could target players like DeMarvion Overshown from Texas or Jeremiah Alexander from Alabama.
Potential Draft Picks
| Round | Player | College |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | DeMarvion Overshown | Texas |
| 6th | Jeremiah Alexander | Alabama |
Bengals 2025 Mock Draft: A Look at Potential Draft Targets
With the 2024 NFL season still underway, it may seem premature to begin delving into potential draft targets for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, for teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, who have shown a keen eye for identifying talent in recent years, early preparation is crucial.
The Bengals, coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, currently hold the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft. While their exact needs will depend on the outcome of the current season, there are several promising prospects who could be on their radar come draft day.
People Also Ask
Who are some potential draft targets for the Bengals in 2025?
Based on their current needs and projected roster, some potential draft targets for the Bengals in 2025 include:
What are the Bengals’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 draft?
The Bengals’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 draft may include:
