The latest news and all the information you’ll need to watch the final day of the NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals made another stir on Day 2 of the NFL draft when they reached a little for linebacker Demetrius Knight in the second round. Is a talented player, but someone who is already 25 years old. They also added protection for Joe Burrow in the third round with Dylan Fairchild.
Now the question becomes what will they do on the final day of the draft. They go in with only three picks on the day after trading a seventh-round pick for running back Khalil Herbert last season. Will they move back at all to recoup that lost selection?
Will we continue to see players added on the defensive side of the ball?
Share your thoughts with us all day long here in our open thread!
Here is how to watch the draft today:
- Starting time: 12:00 PM EST
- TV: NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC
- Streaming options: ESPN+. NFL+ and YouTube TV
- Bengals picks: 4(115), 5(153), 6(193)
Bengals News 4/26
Bengals Select LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
“It felt a lot like waiting for Logan (Wilson) a couple of years ago and just letting all of those picks tick off. He’s a tremendous fit for us and someone that we had an extremely high opinion of.”
Bengals Select G Dylan Fairchild With 81st Overall Pick
Did You Know?: Fairchild was an undefeated high school wrestling champion… Bengals Ring of Honor member Tim Krumrie, also a championship high school wrestler in Wisconsin, announced the selection of Fairchild at the draft in Green Bay.
Shemar Stewart and McKinnley Jackson Teammates Again
“You get a high-flying, wheeling-dealing son of a gun in Shemar Stewart,” Jackson said with delight. “I never saw him not ask how he could get better. You get a player who affects games. Once he understands he can run past people and run through people, he will have the league in lockdown.”
Cincinnati Bengals Select Georgia Guard Dylan Fairchild 3rd Round of 2025 NFL Draft
“A two-year starter at Georgia, Fairchild settled in at right guard in offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s multiple-run scheme (zone and gap),” Dane Brugler wrote in his evaluation. “He cut his teeth on the scout team (non-travel) over his first two seasons in Athens before earning a starting job and quickly developing into one of the better guards in the SEC.”
Bengals receive extremely mixed grades for Shemar Stewart pick
It’s not hard to see why, either. Stewart comes with some shockingly good numbers, which hint at huge upside. He also plays a position of need for the Bengals, where Trey Hendrickson’s contract drama and disappointing production from other players linger.
Lacking big stats, the Bengals are confident in Shemar Stewart
“Really fits into our locker room and what we’re looking for,” Taylor said. “Overall athleticism. His effort. His play style. His relentlessness… There’s tremendous traits there that we’re excited to work with.”
Grading Bengals pick of Demetrius Knight Jr. at No. 49: NFL draft 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals continued to rebuild their defense on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft, selecting South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. with the 49th overall pick. The Bengals entered the draft needing help at every level of their defense, and they’ve addressed needs on the defensive line and in the linebacker corps with their first two picks.
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 NFL draft picks: Full list by round – ESPN
My take: Cincinnati apparently felt the need to acquire a linebacker. Knight is a six-year college player who had stops at Georgia Tech, Charlotte and finally at South Carolina, where he spent one season with the Gamecocks.
How does linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. fit with the Cincinnati Bengals?
Cincinnati’s offense was one of the best units in the league in 2024. Unfortunately for them, the defensive side of the ball was one of the worst units in football. The Bengals ranked 25th in total defense, 25th in points per game (25.5), and 19th in rushing defense.
Watch: Highlights From Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Second-Round Pick Demetrius Knight
CINCINNATI — The Bengals rolled with South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 49th pick posted 57 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles last season.
Come join the fun in what will be today’s entire open thread!
Who DEY!