The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in April, and the Bengals will have the 17th pick in the first round. 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.
LB Jihaad Campbell
"I'm matching the Bengals with a prospect who does a little bit of everything on the defensive side of the ball. Campbell had 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 12 run stops and an interception this season. He's instinctive and explosive."
EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
"A former five-star recruit and a key player in Ohio State's 2021 recruiting class, Sawyer has become the heartbeat of the Buckeyes' defense. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder is smaller than some of the other EDGE prospects in this class, but that didn't stop him from finishing top-seven in the Big Ten in sacks twice (6.5 in 2023 and 9.0 in 2024) and leading the conference in forced fumbles (three) this season. Adding "Captain Jack" gives the Bengals a tone-setter and potential budding star waiting in the wings."
DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
"Kenneth Grant is a ball of energy with quality skill to disrupt the backfield."
S Malaki Starks, Georgia
"Adding Malaki Starks is the perfect fit for transforming this secondary. Capable of playing all over the field, Starks is a coverage ball-hawk with plus abilities as a run fitter. I expect him to move around the defense as he feels and adjusts to the NFL level. Throwing him into the fire early could reap immense rewards."
DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
"Harmon can play inside and outside, and he's consistently disruptive due to his combination of quickness, power and scheme versatility. After transferring from Michigan State, Harmon starred at Oregon, finishing tied for third in the nation with 43 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus."
EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
"Cincinnati should be on the hunt for whatever high-end defensive prospects it can get its hands on, and Pearce is an explosive pass rusher who would pair well with NFL sack king Trey Hendrickson."
"Pearce is a blindingly fast pass rusher who wins with burst, bend and has an array of moves."
DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
"The addition of Walter Nolen should elevate the level of pressure created by the interior."
