- Michigan’s Kenneth Grant at Choose 17: Grant is an elite run-stuffer, as he earned a constructive grade on 25.8% of run performs in 2024. Nevertheless, he additionally brings energy and athleticism as a go rusher and tallied 27 complete pressures and 5 batted passes this previous season.
- A Tee Higgins substitute? At 6-foot-3 and 210 kilos, Tre Harris has the large body Cincinnati historically covets. After transferring to Ole Miss from Louisiana Tech in 2023, he recorded 55 explosive performs over two seasons with the Rebels.
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Estimated studying time: 2 minutes
Regardless of boasting probably the most explosive offenses within the league, the Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs once more—largely as a consequence of deficiencies on protection.
Whereas edge rusher Trey Hendrickson ranked second within the NFL with 83 complete pressures, the Bengals ranked simply twenty third general in that class. Their struggles prolonged to protection and run protection, as they ranked twenty seventh in passing landing proportion allowed and twenty eighth in dashing first downs allowed.
Offensive line play stays a priority, too. Not a single Bengals starter ranked within the prime 30 at their positions in run blocking, and the unit as a complete completed twenty seventh in pass-blocking effectivity.
Right here’s a take a look at how Cincinnati may use the draft to handle a few of its most urgent weaknesses on either side of the ball.
Spherical 1, Choose 17: DI Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Grant is an elite run-stuffer, as he earned a constructive grade on 25.8% of run performs in 2024. Nevertheless, he additionally brings energy and athleticism as a go rusher and tallied 27 complete pressures and 5 batted passes this previous season.
Spherical 2, Choose 49: Edge Jared Ivey, Mississippi
At 6-foot-5 and 283 kilos, Ivey brings an enormous body and flexibility, having performed each inside and on the sting at Ole Miss. Over the previous two seasons, he racked up 74 complete quarterback pressures, together with 18 sacks.
Spherical 3, Choose 81: WR Tre Harris, Mississippi
With the Bengals doubtlessly dropping Tee Higgins in free company, Harris might be a powerful draft goal. At 6-foot-3 and 210 kilos, he has the large body Cincinnati historically covets. After transferring to Ole Miss from Louisiana Tech in 2023, Harris recorded 55 explosive performs over two seasons with the Rebels.
Spherical 4, Choose 117: G Connor Colby, Iowa
Colby allowed simply three sacks and 4 quarterback hits throughout 643 pass-blocking snaps over his closing two seasons at Iowa.
Spherical 5, Choose 154: Edge Bradyn Swinson, LSU
Swinson took a giant step ahead as a go rusher in 2024, racking up 63 complete pressures with a powerful 22% win charge.
Spherical 6, Choose 193: G Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
Webb was a reliable 3-year starter at Jacksonville State and has held his personal at Senior Bowl apply. He allowed simply 17 complete pressures throughout his school profession and earned constructive grades on nearly 17 % of all run blocks.
