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The Cincinnati Bengals may not have fired their head coach after finishing outside of the playoffs for the second year in a row, but moving on from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo did kick off a busy offseason.
Now, with the 2025 NFL draft just around the corner, the Bengals are set to hold the 17th pick in the first round on Thursday night. They have quite a few needs to address, and selecting a talented prospect could really make a big difference in their performance this upcoming year.
In recent months, some of the top NFL experts have been feverously releasing their mock drafts as they try to predict which players will end up with each team in the first round.
Before the first pick is announced, let's take one last look at who experts project will end up in a Bengals jersey in the first round.
Bengals NFL mock drafts 2025
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
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Kiper Jr.: "The Bengals spent big money this offseason to keep their offensive core around for the long term, and now it's time to turn the focus to the other side of the ball. What happens with Trey Hendrickson looms large. If he does end up getting traded after requesting a move, Cincinnati certainly has to look at the pass rushers on the board. I could see Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart fitting, but his lack of production might scare off teams this early.
I'm going to wait until we know more about Hendrickson's future and instead go with Campbell, who is a complete football player. Look at this stat line from 2024: 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, 16 pressures, 12 run stops, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. And remember that Germaine Pratt, the Bengals' starting middle linebacker, also requested a trade this offseason."
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
Brugler: "This pick has to be defense, right? Well .. it might be, but dropping Booker on this offensive line to stabilize the interior and protect Joe Burrow would have to be appealing for Cincinnati."
Peter Schrager, ESPN: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
Schrager: "The pass rusher who led the FBS with 17 sacks last season could go even higher than this. The unfortunate truth is that whichever defender Cincinnati takes here will be pitted against veteran Trey Hendrickson, who hasn't been happy with contract negotiations and has requested a trade. It wouldn't be fair to Green, who is a great prospect and fit for the Bengals."
Todd McShay, The McShay Report: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
McShay: "Green’s blend of burst and upper-body power makes him one of this class’s most decorated pass rushers. He led the FBS in sacks last year and was dominant at the Senior Bowl, easing any doubts regarding the level of competition he faced in college. If the Bengals can get Trey Hendrickson’s contract negotiation squared away, the Bengals would boast a fierce duo off the edges."
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Iyer: "The Bengals still might move Trey Hendrickson and already lost Sam Hubbard to retirement. Pearce would be a fine pass-rush piece for new defensive coordinator Al Golden."
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Jeremiah: "Ezeiruaku is a skilled pass rusher with some similarities to Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson, whose future with the team remains murky."
Bengals 2025 NFL draft picks
- Round 1, Pick No. 17
- Round 2, Pick No. 49
- Round 3, Pick No. 81
- Round 4, Pick No. 119
- Round 5, Pick No. 153
- Round 6, Pick No. 193
What time does the 2025 NFL draft start?
- Date: Thursday, April 24
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wi.)
- Channels: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
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