Three offensive linemen? We could see it.
While the defensive line is a huge need for the Cincinnati Bengals leading into the NFL Draft this week, the secondary is also an area of need.
The Bengals have some exciting young players in their secondary, but they are all still unknown in terms of their ability to produce. Does that mean the Bengals will target the secondary early in the draft?
Chad Reuter, an NFL Draft researcher and Analyst for NFL Media, released a seven-round mock draft recently that has the Bengals starting off on defense but quickly pivoting to the offense, especially in the trenches.
Let’s look and see who Reuter believes the Bengals will take in his seven-round NFL Mock Draft.
Round 1, Pick 17: Mykel Williams – Edge Rusher, Georgia
The No. 5 ranked edge rusher, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Williams had a strong three-year career at Georgia. Williams started his collegiate career by earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022, and he followed that up with two seasons of being named Second-Team All-SEC and leading the Bulldogs in sacks (2023) and forced fumbles (2024).
Reuter writes: “Williams is the pick because of his potential as a strong, long edge defender who can pressure quarterbacks and play the run.”
Williams would be a smart pick because the Bengals need depth at the edge rusher position, especially with the uncertainty surrounding All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Round 2, Pick 49: Kevin Winston Jr. – Safety, Penn State
The Bengals have been trying to fill the void Jessie Bates III left for the past two seasons. They’ve spent draft picks and free agent signings on safeties, and the position is still a weakness on the roster.
Enter Winston Jr., Brugler’s No. 4-ranked safety. Winston sustained a left knee injury that sidelined him for the last 14 games of Penn State’s 2024 season. The season prior, he was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Brugler says that “the tools are there for him to eventually become a quality NFL starter — if he’s given a specific role and allowed to grow into the scheme.”
Winston could be a fit in new defensive coordinator Al Golden’s scheme, and he would be the latest player the Bengals hope can help fill the void Bates left two years ago.
Round 3, Pick 81: Tate Ratledge – Offensive Guard, Georgia
Bengals fans have been voicing their approval for drafting Ratledge, with guard being a high position of need going into the draft.
The No. 3 guard, according to Brugler, Ratledge is a two-time All-American and two-time First-Team All-SEC honoree. Brugler has high praise for Ratledge, saying: “Overall, Ratledge is a self-described “dirtbag” with the contact power, competitive edge and functional movement skills to match up against NFL defensive linemen. He should compete for a starting role as a rookie and has the necessary tools for a decade-long pro career, if he stays healthy.”
Round 4, Pick 119: Bhayshul Tuten – Running Back, Virginia Tech
The Bengals have Chase Brown at running back, but they could find someone to pair with him, even with Zack Moss back in the fold.
That running back could be Tuten, who is coming off back-to-back seasons of 10+ touchdowns with the Hokies. In 2023, Tuten had a kickoff return and punt return for touchdowns, which could be key for the Bengals in searching for a consistent kick and punt returner.
Tuten rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 183 carries, an impressive 6.33 yards per carry, in 2024. Brugler writes: “His promise on third downs and experience as a kick returner increase the value he’d hold on an NFL roster.”
Round 5, Pick 153: Logan Brown – Offensive Tackle, Kansas
Brown was a Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2024. The Bengals have their stalwarts at both tackle positions, so this would be a questionable pick. Brown also has potential character issues, for he was dismissed from the Wisconsin Badgers prior to playing at Kansas.
Round 6, Pick 193: Jake Majors – Center, Texas
Whereas Brown would be a questionable pick, Majors would be more interesting and understandable. Current center Ted Karras is entering his fourth season with the Bengals, and he will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 Season.
Majors started 55 games over the last four seasons, including for Texas’s College Football Playoff teams in 2023 and 2024. He’s also a left-handed snapper.
This would be an interesting and smart pick for the Bengals with Karras’ career likely winding down.