The Cincinnati Bengals approach the 2025 NFL draft with a variety of major needs, which creates some interesting scenarios in mock drafts.
What the Bengals do in the first mock draft effort of the year from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., though, probably isn’t the best use of the team’s premium first-round resource.
There, Kiper has the Bengals at No. 17 with Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell:
How contract situations play out for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase could pivot the calculus, but it’d be nearly impossible for Cincinnati to ignore the defense. Without a doubt, that unit kept the Bengals from the playoffs this season, allowing 25.5 points per game (25th). So I’m matching them with a prospect who does a little bit of everything on that side of the ball. Campbell had 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 12 run stops and an interception this season. He’s instinctive and explosive.
Make no mistake — Campbell is a fantastic prospect.
But linebacker probably shouldn’t be the play, especially with Logan Wilson still under contract and there being a faint hope that Germaine Pratt can turn things around if his old positional coach Al Golden really is on the way back to the team.
The Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.
Defense is a need, yes, but little will change if the trenches on both sides of the ball aren’t upgraded and other key spots aren’t refreshed.
