The Cincinnati Bengals approached Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft with three picks—Round 4 (No. 119), Round 5 (No. 153), and Round 6 (No. 193)—aiming to address key roster needs while adding depth and potential starters. Their selections focused on bolstering the defense and offensive line, reflecting a strategy to build a tougher, more physical team around quarterback Joe Burrow.

In the fourth round, the Bengals selected Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter. Carter, praised by defensive coordinator Al Golden for his instincts and versatility, brings a high-energy presence to a linebacker corps needing immediate impact. At 6-1, 230 pounds, Carter recorded 112 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his final college season, showcasing his ability to disrupt both the run and pass games. His selection addresses a critical need after Germaine Pratt’s trade request and complements second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr., signaling a youth movement at linebacker. Carter’s knack for playmaking and special teams experience should see him contribute early.

The fifth round brought Miami offensive tackle Jalen Rivers, a 6-5, 325-pound lineman with the versatility to play tackle or slide inside to guard. Rivers, noted for his length and play strength, fits the Bengals’ need for offensive line depth after cutting Alex Cappa and benching Cordell Volson. While his athleticism is average, his ability to anchor in pass protection and power in the run game makes him a developmental piece with starter potential in a gap-run scheme. Rivers’ selection underscores Cincinnati’s commitment to protecting Burrow, who has faced injury concerns due to inconsistent line play.

In the sixth round, the Bengals picked Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks. At 5-10, 220 pounds, Brooks is a physical, downhill runner who amassed 1,541 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his final college season. His addition provides depth behind Khalil Herbert and could see him compete for carries in a committee backfield. Brooks’ toughness and ability to break tackles align with head coach Zac Taylor’s emphasis on a rugged offensive identity. These Day 3 picks reflect a calculated approach to address immediate needs while investing in high-upside players. Carter and Rivers, in particular, have paths to early playing time, while Brooks adds a complementary piece to the offense. The Bengals’ focus on physicality and versatility sets the stage for a competitive 2025 season

Demetrius Knight Jr., a standout linebacker for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has carved an inspiring path to the 2025 NFL Draft through resilience, versatility, and leadership. Born on January 4, 2000, in Locust Grove, Georgia, Knight’s journey began at Strong Rock Christian School, where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback, becoming the program’s first Division I athlete by signing with Georgia Tech. His athletic lineage is notable, with cousin DeAngelo Hall, a former NFL Pro Bowler, and distant cousins, music legends Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin, adding a unique dimension to his story.

Knight’s college career spanned six years across three programs, showcasing his adaptability. At Georgia Tech (2019–2022), he transitioned from quarterback to linebacker, appearing in 36 games and recording 51 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. After redshirting in 2022, he transferred to Charlotte, where he exploded for 96 tackles, earning First-Team All-AAC honors in 2023. His final collegiate stop at South Carolina in 2024 cemented his reputation as a defensive anchor. Named team captain, Knight tallied 82 tackles (57 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, earning the Rex Enright Team Captain award, Most Outstanding Senior, and Joe Morrison MVP Defense honors. A pivotal moment came in the 2024 regular-season finale, where his interception of Clemson’s Cade Klubnik sealed a rivalry win.

Standing at 6’1” and 246 pounds, Knight’s physicality and instincts make him a classic MIKE linebacker. Scouting reports praise his elite straight-line speed (4.58 forty), explosive first step, and ability to penetrate gaps, as seen in dominant performances against Alabama and Oklahoma. His pre-snap communication and blitz timing reflect a high football IQ, developed from his quarterback days. While his run defense is exceptional, with long arms aiding in shedding blocks, his coverage skills, particularly in man-to-man, need refinement due to limited lateral fluidity. Off the field, Knight’s maturity shines. A father of two, he balanced football and family, even working DoorDash at Charlotte to provide for his children. His commitment to finishing strong was evident in his decision to play in the 2024 Citrus Bowl, emphasizing to his kids the importance of perseverance. Projected as a Day 2 NFL Draft pick, Knight’s blend of athleticism, leadership, and character positions him as a potential defensive cornerstone with green-dot potential.

Shemar Stewart, born November 12, 2003, in Miami, Florida, is a standout American football defensive end whose journey from a high school phenom to a 2025 NFL Draft prospect showcases his exceptional talent and resilience. Raised in Miramar, Florida, by his mother, Latoya Smith, Stewart began playing football at age 12 at Ives Estates Park, initially as an offensive and defensive lineman. His hyper-athletic genes were evident early, standing 6 feet tall and over 200 pounds as a freshman at Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens.

By his sophomore year, he had grown to 6’6”, 275 pounds, dominating Florida’s 4A competition with 48 tackles and 15 sacks, earning him a five-star recruit status and the No. 1 edge rusher ranking in the 2022 class by ESPN, 247Sports, and USA Today.

Stewart’s high school career was not without challenges; injuries and COVID-19 complications limited his junior year, but he rebounded as a senior, solidifying his reputation as a top prospect. Committing to Texas A&M University in February 2022, he cited the coaching staff’s familial approach and their honesty as key factors, alongside his parents’ desire for him to avoid Miami’s distracting nightlife.

At Texas A&M, Stewart made an immediate impact, appearing in all 12 games as a true freshman with six starts, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. His sophomore year featured a pick-six against Mississippi State, and by his junior year in 2024, he started all 12 games, leading the Aggies with seven quarterback hurries and 5.5 tackles for loss, securing All-SEC Third Team recognition. At 6’5”, 267 pounds, Stewart’s freakish athleticism shone at the 2025 NFL Combine, where he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical, and a 10’11” broad jump, earning comparisons to Myles Garrett. His explosive get-off, rare bend, and power make him ideal for a 4-3 defensive system, though his 4.5 career sacks suggest room for growth in pass-rushing technique. Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024, Stewart’s 9.99 Relative Athletic Score ranks third all-time among defensive ends, positioning him as a future NFL star

Huge shoutout to the guys over at @GridironGrading for joining us!

Check out their 2025 Big Board with 700+ players on X

The Cincinnati Bengals approach the 2025 NFL Draft with the 17th overall pick and six total selections, aiming to address critical roster gaps, particularly on defense, while bolstering offensive support for quarterback Joe Burrow. After a 9-8 season and missing the playoffs, the Bengals, under head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin, face pressure to maximize Burrow’s MVP-caliber years. Key needs include defensive line (interior and edge), linebacker, offensive guard, and secondary depth, with mock drafts and team priorities reflecting a focus on immediate impact players and long-term starters.

Defensive Line (IDL/EDGE): The Bengals’ defense struggled in 2024, prompting the firing of coordinator Lou Anarumo and the hiring of Al Golden. With Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation uncertain and Myles Murphy yet to emerge, edge rushers like Marshall’s Mike Green, noted for his explosive 17-sack season, and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., with an 18.7% pressure rate, are prime first-round targets. Interior linemen like Texas A&M’s Walter Nolen, praised for his 91.6 PFF run-defense grade, and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, a versatile 6’5”, 310-pound disruptor, are also in play to replace free agent B.J. Hill and add pass-rush juice.

Linebacker: With Germaine Pratt’s trade request and Logan Wilson as the lone established starter, the Bengals seek a linebacker to compete with free agent Oren Burks. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, a do-everything defender with 112 tackles and 5 sacks in 2024, is a popular mock draft pick at No. 17, offering speed and versatility. Later rounds could target Clemson’s Barrett Carter for depth.

Offensive Guard: The interior offensive line faltered last season, with Alex Cappa cut and Cordell Volson benched. Alabama’s Tyler Booker, a 6’5”, 325-pound mauler with high football IQ, is a first-round option to solidify the line and protect Burrow. Georgia’s Tate Ratledge is a second-round possibility for immediate starting potential.

Secondary and Other Needs: Georgia safety Malaki Starks and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson are linked to Cincinnati to bolster the backfield, addressing a need for playmakers opposite Cam Taylor-Britt. While wide receiver and running back are less pressing due to Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Ohio State’s Luther Burden III, Michigan's Colston Loveland or Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could be considered for offensive balance.

The Bengals’ draft strategy hinges on landing defensive difference-makers and offensive line stability to return to playoff contention.

Craig and Elliot provide INSTANT reaction to the news from late Sunday night that Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both signed contract extensions. The guys breakdown the contract details, the report that Chase would not sign without Higgins, debate who deserves credit for the extensions, the contracts vs the current NFL market, where the Bengals stand in the NFL and much more!

Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RREtRMKC99o&t=1509s

Joe Burrow took a Media Tour today ahead of the Super Bowl, with stops on FS1's Breakfast Bal, ESPN's First Take, Up and Adams with Kay Adams, and The Dan Patrick Show, to continue pushing his offseason agenda: THE BENGALS MUST KEEP THE CORE INTACT

Jacob Tissot and Craig Sandlin break it all down.

Quotes:

Joe Burrow on FS1's Breakfast Ball: On if he has faith Bengals ownership will be willing to spend and get all these deals done: "I do. I do. We have the cap space to get it done. I want to make it happen. Everybody involved Trey, Tee, Ja’Marr, Mike G, we all want to stay together. When you have guys that are motivated like that I think you can get those things done." Joe Burrow, on First Take- "We need (Hendrickson) back. We need to give him what he's worth and what he deserves. He's earned that. And we need our young guys to come on. We need to draft well. We need guys to come in and produce immediately. We don't have time to wait around. "We have great players that have done great things and deserve to be paid. They're going to paid what they're worth, whether we do it or somebody else. I hope we do it." Joe Burrow on Kay Adams- "I know how important it to keep GREAT players together... I'm gonna do what it takes." “Part of the job of a quarterback of an organization is figuring out ways to make the team better."