Cincinnati is buzzing as the Bengals gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, which is just around the corner. The team’s coaches and scouts have been busy preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a major talent showcase where prospects are put through their paces. For the last couple of weeks, scouts have been getting to know potential draft picks inside and out, sharing insights with the coaching staff about the highs and lows of these athletes as the Bengals try to build a better team for next season.
This year, the Bengals sit at the No. 17 pick in the first round. In anticipation, Bengals.com reached out to other team reporters to gauge which players might be available when Cincinnati is on the clock. Although predicting the draft can feel like science fiction, the Bengals are doing their best to understand the landscape as the draft nears. Currently, the Bengals may be zeroing in on some key positions, particularly on the defensive side. They are known to be considering players like Keanu Nolen, a defensive tackle who might catch their eye when it is their turn to pick.
Nolen, who has garnered plenty of attention from draft analysts, is recognized for his combination of size and skill. At a hulking 6-3, 305 pounds, he has shown the ability to create pressure and play well across all downs. Not only would Nolen potentially fill a crucial role on the Bengals’ defensive line, but he would also mark a significant selection for the franchise. Historically, the Bengals haven’t chosen a defensive tackle in the first round since Dan Wilkinson in 1994, making this prospect an exciting possibility.
Alongside Nolen, other potential picks for the Bengals could include fellow defensive lineman Kenneth Grant from Michigan or Derrick Harmon from Oregon. Both have been mentioned as strong contenders for the defensive front, which has been a critical area of focus for Cincinnati. The Bengals need to bolster their defense, especially after a season where they struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, finishing towards the bottom of the league in that department.
Head Coach Zac Taylor and General Manager Duke Tobin are currently weighing their options as they explore their strategy for the draft while also monitoring the upcoming free agency period. It’s important to note that the final decision may depend on how the first few picks go and who the Bengals believe can fill a need at 17. As the countdown to draft day continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the Bengals’ choice.
In addition to their draft preparations, the Bengals have also made some roster moves. They recently signed long snapper Cal Adomitis to a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season while releasing defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. These changes reflect the team’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune their lineup as they head into another competitive season.
With the scouting combine just days away and the draft looming shortly after, Cincinnati is preparing for what promises to be a busy and exciting period in Bengals football history.
