With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Bengals fans are left with many unanswered questions about the team’s future. The situation involving Trey Hendrickson and the front office, coupled with discussions about potentially relocating, adds to the uncertainty. Therefore, the Bengals must have an outstanding draft to reignite their Super Bowl aspirations. This final mock draft emphasizes both offense and defense, with a focus on strengthening the interior defense.
No. 17, DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Walter Nolen would be a game-changer for the Bengals’ defensive line after a lackluster season from the interior. His explosive burst off the snap allows him to outmaneuver offensive linemen and control at first hit, making him effective against both the run and pass. Nolen’s lateral agility and ability to change direction are remarkable for a player of his size, making him a dominant force with athletic reps. Integrating Nolen into a youthful defensive line would be a strategic move. With Trey Hendrickson expected to play in 2025 (hopefully), the Bengals defensive front would be significantly bolstered.
No. 49, RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
After a standout 2025 season from starting running back Chase Brown, the Bengals brought in free agent Samaje Perine. The former Bengal returned from Kansas City, where he showed flashes of his previous form. So, why add another back? TreVeyon Henderson is a top-5 running back prospect in this draft and would make an immediate impact on the already stacked Bengals offense. His burst through the gap is arguably the best in this class. Henderson excels in pass protection, squaring up with surprising power for his size, consistently controlling blitzers in one-on-one situations. His running style combines controlled agility with explosiveness, consistently gaining extra yards. Pairing Henderson’s abilities with Chase Brown’s athleticism would give the Bengals one of the most underrated running back groups in the league.
No. 81, OG Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
The guard position has been a weak spot for the Bengals, but Dylan Fairchild could be the answer. Standing tall at 6’5, 318 lbs, Fairchild enters the draft with high potential and elite pass protection skills. His impressive athletic testing hints at high-upside potential in zone blocking schemes, though he will need some development. With a background in wrestling, Fairchild is skilled with his hands, making him an intriguing pick. With the right coaching and development, Fairchild could soon find himself in the starting lineup, transforming the Bengals’ offensive line.
No. 119, LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
With the new(ish) defensive coordinator Al Golden at the helm, Jack Kiser would seamlessly integrate into the defense Golden is crafting. Following an impressive combine performance, Kiser is unlikely to fall below the fifth round, making him an enticing option in the fourth. Kiser is a vintage linebacker who excels against the run, with textbook tackling and minimal misses. While he may struggle against the league’s tight ends and backs in coverage, his reliability in tackling and instincts in the run game would provide value to a team that averaged 10 missed tackles per game.
No. 153, CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
The Bengals’ defense struggled in 2024, largely due to injuries, particularly in the secondary. CB Dax Hill tore his ACL after showing promise, while CB DJ Turner II broke his clavicle after major improvement. Quincy Riley offers athleticism and experience, providing valuable depth that can be quickly utilized. His proficiency in both man and zone coverages offers coordinators flexibility in deployment. Riley’s elite ball skills, ability to jump routes, and his knack for creating turnovers would be a perfect addition to a secondary in need of such qualities.
No. 193, DT Simeon Barrow, Miami
Why not bolster the trenches? Simeon Barrow enters the NFL as a versatile defensive lineman with immediate impact against the run. His leverage, hand technique, and ability to read blocks could make him a contributor in early-down situations. For a Bengals team that struggled with run defense, if Barrow can develop as a pass rusher, he’ll outperform many defensive linemen. He showcases forceful hand usage with smooth swim and rip moves that create separation in tight spaces.
Looking ahead, this draft class has the potential to significantly elevate the Bengals’ performance. With the addition of Walter Nolen and Simeon Barrow, the trenches will be fortified. Quincy Riley’s versatility in the secondary will add much-needed depth and flexibility, while TreVeyon Henderson’s dynamic playmaking abilities will enhance the running game. Jack Kiser’s reliability against the run will bolster the linebacker corps. Additionally, Dylan Fairchild will add valuable depth to the offensive line. Together, these new additions position the Bengals to overcome past challenges and compete at a higher level, setting the stage for a promising future.