2025 Bengals NFL Draft grades: Grades for every Cincinnati selection
Tom VieraThe Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 offseason with the goal of agreeing to long-term extensions with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
They accomplished that quickly in mid-March and now enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a chip on their shoulder. The Super Bowl window remains open as the team looks to build around perennial MVP candidate Joe Burrow.
Additionally, their top defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, has an uncertain future as he seeks an extension of his own. The team has committed to spending an average of $124 million per year on Burrow, Chase and Higgins which means they will focus on strengthening their defense in the draft.
Cincinnati is coming off a 9-8 season in which they missed the playoffs. Another year removed from their 2022 Super Bowl appearance has them flying under the radar in a deep AFC.
The Bengals will attempt to re-establish themselves as formidable AFC contenders and the re-tool continues with the 2025 NFL Draft. They have six selections, with the first coming with the 17th overall pick during the first-round on Thursday.
Here's a look at the Bengals 2025 draft picks and grades from USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network for each of Cincinnati's selections.
Bengals 2025 NFL Draft grades
Round 1, Pick 17: Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: B-
It's undeniable the Bengals need help off the edge and they take one of the most elite athletes seen at the position in years. Stewart is all about traits with great size, length, speed and explosiveness. But Stewart tallied just 4.5 career sacks in college and there were more proven options at edge rusher on the board at this pick. He is a lot of projection at this point with a high ceiling but a low floor.
As the Trey Hendrickson drama lingers, Cincinnati affords itself some flexibility on the edge for both the short and long term. Regardless of whether the Bengals move the NFL's reigning sack king, the defense needed to create more pressure. Stewart can certainly do that, and the 6-5, 267-pounder certainly fits the bill of what the organization looks for at defensive end with his imposing build and athleticism. But can he actually develop a finishing touch? Usage issues were partially responsible for Stewart's shortage of production, but he also has to figure out a way to play with more control when he gets a quarterback or ball carrier in his sights.
Round 2, Pick 49: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: B-
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz USA TODAY Sports: C-
Round 3, Pick 81: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: B
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz USA TODAY Sports: B
Round 4, Pick 119: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: C
The Bengals took a linebacker in Round 2 but take another one here in the athletic Carter. The Clemson linebacker is a very good athlete despite being slightly undersized. Considering the Bengals' needs in the secondary, this is a curious pick.
Round 5, Pick 153: Jalen Rivers, OL, Miami (FL)
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: C
Again, the Bengals double-dip in draft positions despite holding just six picks in the entire draft. They took a future guard in Dylan Fairchild in Round 3 and get another potential guard or tackle in Rivers here. The Miami product is long and strong at 6-foot-6 with a massive 84-inch wingspan but will need time to improve his balance and aggressive tendencies.
Round 6, Pick 193 overall: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
- Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: A-
This is a great fit for what the Bengals need in the backfield. Chase Brown is a dynamic player but not ideal on early downs and in short yardage situations. That's where Brooks should come in. The Texas Tech product is quick and powerful with a low center of gravity at 5-foot-9 and 214 pounds.
Bengals 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Bengals enter this year's draft armed with six draft picks:
- Round 1: No. 17 overall: Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M
- Round 2: No. 49: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
- Round 3: No. 81: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
- Round 4: No. 119: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
- Round 5: No. 153: Jalen Rivers, OL, Miami (FL)
- Round 6: No. 193: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech