The Cincinnati Bengals just completed arguably the most important NFL draft of the Joe Burrow era.
But the 2025 NFL draft might match it.
Given the trade requests of Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson and keeping in mind the massive list of free agents the Bengals could lose in 2025 free agency, next year’s draft will also play a huge role in whether the contention window remains open.
Right now, it’s hard to not look ahead to the 2025 draft either, not with major names like James Pearce Jr. and Mason Graham looking like standouts already.
Here’s an early look at projecting all seven rounds using the mock simulator from Pro Football Network.
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
The early problem area in 2025 is easily edge rusher, though there’s never a bad time to add more pressure creators. Trey Hendrickson might be gone by next year, Sam Hubbard is aging and Myles Murphy isn’t a guarantee. Scourton enters next year as a superb run-stuffer with high-percentage pressure rates and should only have an even bigger spotlight after a transfer to Texas A&M. He’d make a nice edge pairing with Murphy.
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
There’s some honeymoon hype over seventh-rounder Matt Lee right now, but even if he manages to turn into a starter, the long-term behind Cordell Volson, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa is a concern. It’s time to spend premium picks on it.
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no promise Dax Hill works out at corner or that rookie Josh Newton turns into a contributor. More upside via premium picks at such a critical spot is a must.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Remember how the Bengals like to double-up on needs in the same draft? They did it at wideout two years ago and the interior defensive line this year. In 2025, it’s all about the interior of the line in front of Joe Burrow.
Syndication: The Enquirer
Speaking of Burrow, the hype is fun around his two new rookie tight ends — yet nothing is guaranteed with either, so here’s a high-upside 6’5″ target for the offense.
Syndication: Iowa City Press-Citizen
Why not add more Iowa weapons? Johnson is a Hamilton, OH, product who seems headed for a big breakout collegiate season and would fit the offense.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
A 6’3″…
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