The Cincinnati Bengals have already made a lot of headlines this offseason as they look to rebuild themselves as one of the leading contenders in the AFC. Let’s examine what capital the Bengals have in the current 2025 NFL Draft order and what needs they have to fill.
What Are the Cincinnati Bengals’ Draft Picks in 2025?
| Pick | Round | Round Pick No. | Team | Player | Position | School | Notes |
|---|
How Many Picks Do the Bengals Have in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Currently, the Bengals have six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, all of which are their original selections. They traded away their seventh-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for running back Khalil Herbert.
What Are the Bengals’ Biggest Needs in 2025?
- EDGE, DT, G, CB, S
The Cincinnati Bengals ultimately fell just short of the playoffs last season. However, their recovery from a slow start was impressive, and they looked dangerous amid a 5-0 finish. The problem was simply that they dug too deep a hole in the first half of the year, thanks to a 28th-ranked defense and a 29th-ranked offensive line.
Both of those two areas dominate their needs for this offseason. You could make the case that addressing defensive tackle, guard, and EDGE are of equal priority, thanks to one of the most lopsided roster constructions in the NFL.
The need at EDGE has grown with Sam Hubbard retiring and Trey Hendrickson’s contract negotiations stalling out. They brought back BJ Hill and added Tedarrell Slaton on the interior, but the defensive tackle rotation is far from set after Cincinnati ranked 31st in rush defense success rate in 2024 (ahead of only the historically abysmal Panthers).
The Bengals released right guard Alex Kappa on their offensive line, meaning they need a replacement there (career backups Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick are currently set to battle it out). At center, Ted Karras is fine, but he enters the final year of his deal at age 32.
Having Mike Hilton and Marco Wilson hit free agency means that they entered the offseason having to maintain rather than upgrade at cornerback. A healthy year from Dax Hill would help after the former first-rounder showed promise in 2024, but there can be more invested at the position, both in terms of 2025 and beyond. Similarly, they have solid options for safety, but adding competition after a shaky season by Geno Stone would help.
