After reaching Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season and the AFC Championship Game in the 2022 season, the Bengals have now gone 9-8 and missed the playoffs in each of the past two years. Last season, Joe Burrow led the NFL in both passing yards and passing TDs, Ja’Marr Chase won the receiving Triple Crown (led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs) and Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks. However, the Bengals were unable to overcome a slow start to the season, missing out on the playoffs by one game.
The biggest need for improvement is on the defense, which will be led by new DC Al Golden. Last season under Lou Anarumo, the Bengals ranked 25th in both total and scoring defense. They also have a spot to fill on the defensive line, with DE Sam Hubbard announcing his retirement at the age of 29.
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 17 - Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Round 2: No. 49 - Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
Round 3: No. 81 - Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
Round 4: No. 119 - Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Round 5: No. 153 - Jalen Rivers, T, Miami
Round 6: No. 193 - Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Check out 2025 NFL Draft picks for other teams in the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens 2025 NFL Draft Picks
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft picks
Cleveland Browns 2025 NFL Draft picks
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