As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals are in a prime position to strengthen their roster and push for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. With Joe Burrow at the helm and an already talented roster in place, the Bengals are looking to build a championship contender around their franchise quarterback.
After a solid 2024 season that ended in a heartbreaking playoff exit, Cincinnati knows that fine-tuning the roster through the draft is key to getting over the hump. With a few holes to fill and an eye on both the short- and long-term future, this 7-round mock draft aims to provide the Bengals with the tools they need to keep pace with AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Round 1 (Pick 28): Brodie Hill – OT, Georgia
The Bengals’ biggest priority in this year’s draft has to be keeping Joe Burrow upright. Despite an improved offensive line in 2024, the unit still showed its vulnerabilities, and with Burrow’s injury history, it’s crucial to add depth and protection. Brodie Hill, a 6’6″, 320-pound offensive tackle from Georgia, provides just that.
Hill is a dynamic, versatile tackle who can start right away at right tackle or compete for a left tackle position, depending on the health of Jonah Williams. With a solid blend of strength, quick feet, and athleticism, Hill has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Bengals’ O-line for years to come. This pick would provide Burrow with additional security in the pocket and improve the Bengals’ running game.
Round 2 (Pick 60): Tyler Stevenson – CB, Alabama
In an increasingly pass-happy NFL, the Bengals need to continue bolstering their secondary. While the Bengals’ defense has made great strides in recent years, adding another high-quality cornerback to complement Chidobe Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt would be a game-changer.
Tyler Stevenson, a standout cornerback from Alabama, is a physical, ball-hawking presence in the secondary. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, Stevenson has the size and athleticism to match up against top receivers in the AFC. He also possesses excellent instincts and has been known to make game-changing plays in big moments. This pick could help strengthen the Bengals’ pass defense and make their defense even more dangerous.
Round 3 (Pick 92): Jalen Carter – DT, Georgia
The Bengals could use an additional disruptive force on the interior of their defensive line. Enter Jalen Carter, a 6’3″, 305-pound defensive tackle from Georgia, who has been one of the most dominant interior defensive players in college football.
Carter is a relentless force against both the run and the pass, showing the ability to collapse the pocket and push offensive linemen backward. He would provide valuable depth alongside D.J. Reader, and his presence could free up pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard to do what they do best. Carter has some technical refinement to undergo, but his raw talent could be a perfect fit in the Bengals’ system.
Round 4 (Pick 124): Ethan Thompson – WR, North Carolina
Although the Bengals have a dynamic trio of wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, adding another playmaker at receiver could provide depth and flexibility. Injuries happen, and the Bengals need to plan for the future with Boyd’s contract potentially expiring soon.
Ethan Thompson, a 6’2″, 210-pound wide receiver from North Carolina, is a physical presence on the outside and has the speed and route-running ability to make an immediate impact. He can stretch the field and create mismatches, providing Burrow with yet another weapon to utilize. His size and athleticism make him a potential steal in the fourth round.
Round 5 (Pick 156): Isaiah Waters – ILB, Alabama
The Bengals have built a solid defense, but linebacker remains a position where they could use some depth. Isaiah Waters, a 6’1″, 240-pound inside linebacker from Alabama, is a solid, instinctual player who can contribute both in coverage and against the run.
While not an elite athlete, Waters has a nose for the ball and plays with a high motor. He could provide immediate depth behind Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt while developing into a reliable starter in the near future. Waters’ leadership and experience in high-pressure situations would also add value to Cincinnati’s locker room.
Round 6 (Pick 188): Kyle King – S, Michigan State
The Bengals’ defense has been significantly improved under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, but the safety position still remains an area to address. While Jessie Bates III’s departure left a void, the Bengals have made do with the likes of Dax Hill and Nick Scott. However, they could still use another safety to add depth and versatility to their secondary.
Kyle King, a 6’0″, 205-pound safety from Michigan State, is a versatile player who can line up both in the box and deep. King is known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and has a knack for creating turnovers. While not an elite athlete, his intelligence and football IQ could make him a valuable rotational player and potential starter down the line.
Round 7 (Pick 222): Zayvon Rush – RB, Memphis
To round out the draft, the Bengals add depth to their backfield with Zayvon Rush, a 5’11”, 215-pound running back from Memphis. Rush has a nice blend of power and agility, able to break tackles and gain yardage after contact. He could serve as a solid backup to Joe Mixon and provide insurance in case of injury.
Rush also has the ability to contribute in the passing game, making him a valuable weapon in the Bengals’ high-powered offense. While the Bengals have a solid starting running back in Mixon, having another capable ball-carrier to share the load would benefit the team in the long run.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft offers an exciting opportunity for the Bengals to build on their recent success and take the next step toward a championship. With Joe Burrow leading the charge, the Bengals are already one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC, but by adding key pieces like Brodie Hill, Tyler Stevenson, and Jalen Carter, they can address critical needs and build a more well-rounded roster.
If these picks come to fruition, Cincinnati could emerge from the 2025 season as one of the league’s elite teams, with a solid foundation built around their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ future looks incredibly bright, and this draft could be the final piece they need to finally bring a Super Bowl title to the Queen City.
