Bengals 2025 Mock Draft

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Post on Feb 07, 2025

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Bengals 2025 Mock Draft: Projecting the Future of Cincinnati Football

The Cincinnati Bengals' remarkable turnaround under Joe Burrow has established them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. However, the NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and even the most successful teams must strategically plan for the future. This mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft takes a look at potential needs and scenarios for the Bengals, factoring in player development, potential free agency departures, and projected draft position. It's important to remember that this is purely speculative, based on current trends and projections, and the actual draft will undoubtedly be shaped by unforeseen circumstances.

Assessing the Current Roster

Before diving into potential draft picks, we need to evaluate the Bengals' current roster strengths and weaknesses. The offensive line, while improved, remains a concern. While Jonah Williams and Orlando Brown Jr. provide stability, depth and long-term prospects need to be addressed. The wide receiver corps, bolstered by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, is a strength, but adding depth and a potential future number one receiver is always beneficial. The defensive side of the ball presents a mixed bag. The linebacker corps requires attention, and while the secondary has shown promise, it could always benefit from upgrades.

Potential 2025 Needs: A Bengals Perspective

Based on the current roster analysis and anticipated free agency movements, the Bengals' primary needs in the 2025 NFL Draft could include:

• Offensive Line: Tackle, Guard, and Center depth are always valuable. Finding a potential franchise left tackle or a reliable interior lineman should be a priority.
• Linebacker: The Bengals need a young, athletic linebacker who can contribute immediately in both run defense and pass coverage.
• Defensive Back: While the secondary has talent, adding a cornerback or safety with elite athleticism and coverage skills would significantly improve the unit.
• Edge Rusher: While Trey Hendrickson provides a strong presence, adding depth at this position would bolster pass rushing capabilities.

2025 Mock Draft: Round by Round Breakdown

This mock draft assumes a moderate success for the Bengals in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, projecting them to pick somewhere in the late first or early second round. Individual player rankings and team needs will significantly impact the final selections.

Round 1, Late First Round:

Pick: Myles Murphy, DE/OLB, Clemson (projected)

• Rationale: Murphy possesses exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing potential. While the Bengals might not have an immediate need, adding a young and talented edge rusher would increase competition and depth, ensuring a potent pass rush for years to come. His versatility allows him to play both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset. His potential for growth makes him an attractive pick in the late first round.

Round 2, Early Second Round:

Pick: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State (projected)

• Rationale: Mauch is a mauler, a powerful offensive tackle with excellent run blocking capabilities. He needs to refine his pass protection, but his physical tools and upside are undeniable. He could quickly develop into a starting-caliber guard or even compete for a tackle spot, providing much-needed depth and future starting potential on the Bengals offensive line.

Round 3, Mid-Third Round:

Pick: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU (projected)

• Rationale: While Burrow is the franchise quarterback, having a high-upside backup is crucial. Hall possesses strong arm talent and good mobility, offering a different dynamic than Burrow. He can learn behind Burrow for a few years, developing his game while offering a reliable backup option. This ensures the team is prepared for any potential injury situations.

Round 4, Late Fourth Round:

Pick: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State (projected)

• Rationale: Henley is an instinctive linebacker with good speed and tackling ability. He could contribute on special teams immediately and develop into a key rotational player. Addressing linebacker depth is crucial, and Henley's potential warrants a fourth-round pick.

Round 5, Fifth Round:

Pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (projected)

• Rationale: Witherspoon is a physical cornerback with excellent ball skills and the ability to disrupt receivers at the line. While the Bengals secondary is fairly deep, adding a high-potential player with good coverage skills is important to ensure longevity and competition within the unit.

Round 6, Sixth Round:

Pick: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee (projected)

• Rationale: Even with a strong wide receiving corps, adding depth and talent is always valuable. Hyatt is a deep threat with impressive speed. He could act as a valuable backup or potential future starter, offering versatility and a distinct skill set.

Round 7, Seventh Round:

Pick: Brett Toth, C, Iowa State (projected)

• Rationale: A late-round pick, Toth provides depth at the center position. He possesses adequate size and technique, showing potential for development within the NFL. This provides a high-value selection for depth on the offensive line.

Beyond the Draft: Free Agency & Player Development

While the draft is a crucial aspect of team building, free agency and player development are equally important. The Bengals will need to strategically use free agency to fill immediate needs, while simultaneously focusing on the development of young players drafted in previous years. This balanced approach ensures long-term success.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Bengals?

This 2025 mock draft aims to address the Bengals' projected needs, adding talent and depth to key positions while also accounting for potential player development and free agency acquisitions. This is a speculative exercise, and the actual draft will undoubtedly differ, but it highlights the importance of strategic planning and foresight in maintaining a competitive roster in the highly competitive NFL. The future looks bright for the Bengals, but savvy drafting and roster management will be essential to staying at the top. Remember, this is a projection, and the actual draft will depend on many variables. But the Bengals' commitment to building a winning team suggests a bright future regardless.