The Cincinnati Bengals are definitely in need of defensive help heading into the 2025 NFL Draft—but that doesn’t mean they should draft just anyone. Some prospects are excellent players but simply not ideal fits for what the Bengals need or how they operate. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst defensive fits by position:
Safety
Best Fit: Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
Watts is a standout in deep coverage and one of the few true center-field safeties in the draft. He has the range and instincts Cincinnati is missing.
Worst Fit: Malaki Starks (Georgia)
Starks excels in shallow zones but lacks the deep-field presence the Bengals need. His playstyle overlaps with Dax Hill—an experiment that didn’t quite pan out.
Defensive Tackle
Best Fit: Rylie Mills (Notre Dame)
A high-effort, technically sound player with leadership qualities and a knack for interior pressure (7.5 sacks in 2023). His injury could push him down the board, making him a solid value pick.
Worst Fit: Deone Walker (Kentucky)
Despite his size, Walker tends to disappear in games. The Bengals value consistency, something Walker has yet to show.
Edge Rusher
Best Fit: Ashton Gillotte (Louisville)
Explosive off the edge with inside versatility, Gillotte fits the Bengals’ mold. He’s got power, speed, and the physicality to handle AFC North football.
Worst Fit: James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
Though blazing fast, Pearce lacks power and gets pushed around in the run game. He’s raw and would need time to develop—something the Bengals might not have patience for.
Linebacker
Best Fit: Nick Martin (Oklahoma State)
An all-around linebacker who can cover, blitz, and tackle with force. He’s a high-IQ, high-motor player—classic Bengals material, even coming off injury.
Worst Fit: Corey Schwesinger (UCLA)
His highlight reel may look good, but his fundamentals are shaky. Too many tackles from the ground raise red flags about his ability to finish plays at the next level.
Cornerback
Best Fit: Trey Amos (Ole Miss)
A physical, fast, confident corner who excels in man coverage—exactly what coordinator Al Golden’s scheme demands. He’s also a fierce tackler, which is key in the AFC North.
Worst Fit: Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
Although talented, Morrison has injury concerns. With the Bengals already thin and uncertain at cornerback, they can’t afford another player with durability issues.
While there are plenty of talented defenders available in the 2025 draft, only a handful are true fits for what Cincinnati needs. Drafting wisely could make all the difference.
Leave a Reply