Bengals NFL Draft Analysis

The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy offseason, and the NFL Draft was a key opportunity for them to make a strong impact. Heading into the draft, the team was looking to bolster their interior defense and secure an offensive guard. After the draft, it’s clear the Bengals checked those boxes—strengthening their linebacker corps, adding an athletic edge rusher, and providing more protection for Joe Burrow. Here’s a pick-by-pick breakdown of the Bengals’ 2025 draft class:

Round 1, Pick 17- EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

With the retirement of defensive end Sam Hubbard, the Bengals were in need of an athletic edge rusher capable of creating pressure. They found exactly that in Shemar Stewart. Hailing from Texas A&M, Stewart’s college stats—just 4.5 sacks over his career—don’t fully capture his potential. Arguably the most athletic player in the draft, he brings the speed the Bengals lacked last season. As one of the NFL’s least effective pressure teams, the Bengals immediately improve with Stewart’s addition. His powerful bull rush compresses the pocket from the edge, and his agility makes him a nightmare for guards when moved inside. While he has the potential to be disruptive in both the pass rush and run defense, Stewart will need additional development to start converting his opportunities into consistent finishes, but his ability to pressure will be prominent.

Grade: A-

Notable players available:

Round 2, Pick 49- LB Demetrius Knight Jr, South Carolina

Bengals fans, while a guard might have been the safer bet here, this isn’t necessarily a bad pick—though it could be considered a bit of a reach. Demetrius Knight Jr., at 25 years old, is a born leader who never takes a play off. He’s a sharp inside linebacker with a remarkable ability to track the ball and fill gaps. Knight routinely beats blockers to the point of attack, wreaking havoc in the backfield. The Bengals were in desperate need of a downhill linebacker who could shut down rushing lanes and dominate between the tackles, and Knight fits that role perfectly. His relentless play in run defense makes him the ideal enforcer next to Logan Wilson. Don’t be surprised if Demetrius Knight Jr. makes a real push for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Grade: C+

Notable players available:

Round 3, Pick 81- OG Dyland Fairchild, Georgia

In my final 2025 mock draft, I predicted the Bengals would select Dyland Fairchild with pick 81. That said, I’ve been a fan of this player ever since the combine. Fairchild will immediately compete for a starting spot and has a legitimate chance to claim it. Standing tall at 6’5 and 318 lbs, he entered the draft with immense potential and top-tier pass protection skills. A dominant force at left guard, Fairchild was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs. While he did face some challenges with balance in the run game in 2024, he’s a relentless finisher who knows how to deliver when he reaches the defender on time.

Grade: A

Notable players available:

Final Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft

Round 4, Pick 119- LB Barrett Carter, Clemson

Another linebacker? Why not! Al Golden, the former Bengals linebackers coach, knows the position inside and out and was eager to revamp a struggling linebacker room. With the likely trade of Germaine Pratt incoming, the Bengals needed to inject some fresh, young talent. Enter Barrett Carter—he’s versatile enough to work around or off blocks and has the agility and quick reactions needed for sudden adjustments as an open-field tackler. He’s also solid in man coverage and stands out as a spy for mobile quarterbacks. Barrett is an athlete, through and through. Pairing him with Demetrius Knight Jr. instantly strengthens this linebacker corps.

Grade: B

Notable players available:

Round 5, Pick 153- IOL Jalen Rivers, Miami

Improving the offensive line was a top priority, and Jalen Rivers adds valuable depth to this unit, even if he may not make an immediate impact. While his history of injuries throughout college is concerning, Rivers’ ability to play both guard and tackle makes him a solid pick. Standing at 6’6 and weighing 319 lbs only adds to his appeal. His size and length improve his chances of earning starting reps on the interior—if he can stay healthy. Rivers has shown rapid development and position flexibility, which points to untapped potential and the versatility to thrive in various schemes at the next level.

Grade: C+

Notable players available:

Round 6, Pick 193- RB Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech

With an already impressive offense, the Bengals add even more talent in Tahj Brooks, a player who rewrote the Texas Tech record books. He became the program’s all-time leading rusher with 4,557 yards. His remarkable consistency and durability are evident in his 879 career rushing attempts, the second-highest total in Big 12 history. Watching film, Brooks’ pass-blocking ability stands out, and he consistently breaks tackles, runs over defenders, and protects the ball—fumbling just five times on those rush attempts. Brooks also shows reliable hands as a receiver, with only two career drops. Tahj now joins Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, and Zack Moss in what could be the most underrated running back group in the league.

Grade: B+

Notable players available:

Overall Draft Grade: B+

The Bengals addressed key needs and adding talent to both sides of the ball. From strengthening the linebacker group to improving the offensive line, then adding depth at running back. With a mix of youth and potential, the Bengals are in a great position to make a run. This draft could be a big step toward a Super Bowl future for Cincinnati.

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