Hey Bengals fans, the 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the buzz is heating up about who Cincinnati will snag with their 17th overall pick. After a 2024 season that left us all frustrated with a shaky defense, it’s no surprise that mock drafts are screaming one thing: the Bengals need a beast on the defensive line. Whether it’s a dominant defensive tackle or a speedy edge rusher, the experts seem to agree that Cincinnati’s front office is ready to beef up the front. Let’s dive into the names everyone’s talking about and why they could be the key to getting the Bengals back to the Super Bowl conversation.
The Defensive Line: Where the Magic Needs to Happen
Look, we all know the Bengals’ defense had some rough moments last year. The run game was a sieve, and the pass rush leaned too heavily on Trey Hendrickson, who’s not getting any younger. With new defensive coordinator Al Golden calling the shots, the vibe is clear: Cincinnati needs a young, disruptive force to shake things up. Mock drafts are pointing to three studs who keep popping up as perfect fits.
- Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss): This guy’s a monster. A consensus All-American, Nolen’s the kind of player who blows up plays in the backfield and stuffs the run like it’s his job (because it is). ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates can’t stop raving about his power and quickness. Imagine him clogging the middle and making life easier for our linebackers—yes, please!
- James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee): If you love watching quarterbacks hit the turf, Pearce is your guy. He racked up 17.5 sacks in two years at Tennessee, and his speed off the edge is unreal. Sporting News and NFL Mock Draft Database keep mocking him to Cincy, and it’s easy to see why—he could be the heir to Hendrickson or a dynamic complement right now.
- Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall): This dude led the NCAA with 17 sacks in 2024. Seventeen! Green’s a bendy, relentless pass rusher who’s been climbing draft boards like crazy. Bengals.com’s own writers are hyping him up, and after a killer pre-draft process, he feels like the kind of high-energy player Who Dey Nation would love.
There’s also chatter about Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon) and Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State). Both are tough, scheme-friendly guys who could thrive in Golden’s aggressive defense. Honestly, any of these players would have me jumping off the couch on draft night.
But What About Offense?
Okay, I get it—Joe Burrow is our guy, and we want to keep him upright and happy. A few mock drafts are tossing out names like Tyler Booker (G, Alabama) to solidify the offensive line. Protecting Joey B is never a bad idea, right? There’s even some love for Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State), a home-run-hitting running back who could give the offense some extra juice. But let’s be real: the defense was the bigger issue last year, and most experts think the Bengals will prioritize fixing that first.
Why Defense Is the Heartbeat
If you watched the Bengals in 2024, you know the defense couldn’t always hold up its end of the bargain. Too many big runs, not enough pressure without blitzing—it was rough. With a new coordinator and some veterans on the back half of their careers, grabbing a young stud like Nolen, Pearce, or Green feels like a no-brainer. These guys aren’t just roster fillers; they’re the kind of players who can change the vibe of a defense and get us back to bullying opponents like we did in our AFC Championship run.
Mock Drafts Aren’t Gospel
I know, I know—mock drafts get us hyped, but they’re not set in stone. They’re like your buddy’s fantasy football predictions: fun to talk about, but things change. The combine, pro days, and the Bengals’ secret draft board will all play a role. Still, the fact that so many experts are locking in on defensive linemen tells me Cincinnati’s priorities are clear. We’re building a defense that can hang with the AFC’s best.
Get Hyped: Check Out These Prospects
Want to see what the fuss is about? This YouTube highlight reel of Walter Nolen, James Pearce Jr., and other 2025 draft studs will get you pumped. Trust me, you’ll be ready to chant “Who Dey” by the end.
Dig Deeper
For more on who the Bengals might pick, check out these awesome resources:
So, Bengals fans, who are you rooting for on draft night? A disruptive tackle like Nolen? A sack machine like Pearce or Green? Whoever it is, let’s get ready for a pick that brings the heat. Who Dey!
*Note: Mock drafts are just guesses, so keep an eye out for updates as the draft gets closer in April 2025.*
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