The Bengals currently hold six picks in this year’s draft.
Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel and head coach Zac Taylor spoke to the media on Monday, as players returned to the facility for voluntary workouts and the team prepares for Thursday’s start of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Last year, the Bengals had 10 draft selections, but after the in-season trade for running back Khalil Herbert for a seventh-rounder, the team is only slated to make six selections this season, barring any trades.
Could the Bengals look to add draft picks this year? Tobin didn’t rule it out.
“We’re always open to moving if it’s right for us, and it can be right for us,” Tobin said. “Those opportunities aren’t always there. Actually, they’re not there more than they are there. If you’re sitting on one guy that you think is a perfect fit for you, a lot of times, we opt to go that route.
“And if you’re more open to your board and you get that opportunity and the price is right, you do it.”
After an offseason of heavy investments in their offense, the Bengals could opt to use their picks this year to address one of the league’s worst defenses in 2024, but they have very little room for error with limited selections in the middle of each round.
Linebacker Germaine Pratt has requested a trade but remains on the team for now. If there is an offer that included a selection this season that the Bengals felt was fair, we could see them pull the trigger. Another scenario, though unlikely, is Trey Hendrickson being moved for draft capital, but it is not likely that another team meets the Bengals’ asking price.