It’s early, but there is some serious momentum developing behind the idea that the Cincinnati Bengals could use an early pick on a defensive lineman in the 2025 NFL draft.
One of the most notable expert mocks had the Bengals do just that.
Now, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has done the same, grabbing the Bengals Walter Nolen from Ole Miss:
Far too often Cincinnati’s defense in 2024 leaned on Trey Hendrickson to save the day. Nolen gives the Bengals a legitimate threat to complement Hendrickson on the edge. Nolen was a top-three overall recruit in the 2022 class due to his top-tier strength and explosiveness. That natural talent developed into something special at Ole Miss this past season and is only trending up.
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It’s worth wondering if Nolen will actually fall to No. 17 by the time the draft arrives. But he’s certainly going to hang around near the top of Bengals-specific big boards right up until Round 1 starts.
Those Bengals could use an infusion of talent and versatility along the defensive line. B.J. Hill is a free agent and might get more on the open market than they are willing to pay, especially if big money goes to Trey Hendrickson.
Adding Nolen to a younger front that already has sophomores Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson could go a long way toward turning around the unit quickly under the guidance of new coordinator Al Golden.