Finally, we've made it. The 2025 NFL Draft begins tomorrow, and the Bengals will have the 17th pick in the first round. For the final time, we've rounded up the latest projections from media outlets across the league to give you a look at who could be joining the Bengals this year.
Updated: April 23, 2025
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
"Green is a productive pass rusher, having led the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024."
"The pass rusher who led the FBS with 17 sacks last season could go even higher than this."
"The Bengals need additional help in the pass rush, and they get it with Green. There are parts of his game that need to be ironed out, but getting after the QB isn't one of them."
T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
"[Banks] played with great leverage, active feet and natural athleticism during his three years at Texas, allowing four sacks on 1,544 pass-blocking reps. He is a high-floor, Day 1 impact player at guard."
"He played tackle at Texas, but he has the look of a dominant inside player."
"Suddenly, the Bengals' offensive line feels more stable for the short and long term than at any point with Burrow. Paired with the return of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the offense is set."
DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
"Nolen would give [the Bengals] an anvil of a human being who never seems to be pushed backward."
EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
"Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is an athletic freak who fits the mold of a "prototype" end for the NFL. He's got a tremendous combination of length, power, first-step explosive power, and short-area agility." - via The 33rd Team Scouting Profile
"Stewart still needs some development, but he's athletic and could generate strong sack numbers."
EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
"Williams is the pick because of his potential as a strong, long edge defender who can pressure quarterbacks and play the run."
"Williams is just 20 years old and he's just figuring out how to play the position. He's going to get a lot better, and at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he already looks the part."
DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
"At 6-5 and 313 pounds, Harmon is a big, stout presence who can penetrate the first level and defend the run. He finished last season with five sacks and led all defensive tackles with 34 QB pressures. His 10.7% pressure rate at defensive tackle was the second-highest in the country."
"Harmon is a multi-technique DL who can disrupt from the interior."
EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
"A lot of people have him in the top-10, and I had him still sitting here, so I didn't feel like I could pass on him any longer."
G Tyler Booker, Alabama
"You probably won't get anywhere near the player Booker is later in the draft. An earlier version of this mock had Booker going No. 25, and after more calls last week I realized he shouldn't be there then."
