The Cincinnati Bengals are slated to pick No. 17 in the first round of the NFL draft, which starts at 8 p.m. today. The Bengals currently have six total picks.
Cincinnati has needs at several positions, but offensive and defensive line are the most pressing.
The draft is the last chance to improve the roster significantly ahead of training camp since high-profile free agents have already signed this offseason.
Bengals Beat Podcast: 2025 Mock Draft
Bengals Beat Reporter Kelsey Conway discusses her 2025 NFL Mock Draft
The Bengals’ offseason thus far has seen the team re-sign star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was granted permission to seek a trade, but nothing has materialized. Linebacker Germaine Pratt requested a trade, but there’s been no movement there either.
Follow along for live updates of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft:
Kelsey Conway’s three-round mock draft has the Bengals taking Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams in the first round, Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts in the second round and Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild in the third round.
Bengals mock draft roundup
Most NFL mock drafts have the Bengals taking Williams, Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell or Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round.
Biggest needs for the Bengals in the 2025 NFL draft
The most glaring needs for the Bengals are edge rusher and interior offensive line, but the team also needs a linebacker, interior defensive line and defensive secondary players.
How to watch the 2025 NFL draft
The 2025 NFL draft will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and NFL Network.
Bengals history with No. 17 pick in NFL draft
The Bengals’ most recent, and arguably best pick at No. 17, was defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick in 2012. Other notable picks at No. 17 include linebackers David Pollack (2005) and Brian Simmons (1998).
Cincinnati Bengals picks in the 2025 NFL draft
- Round 1, pick 17
- Round 2, pick 49
- Round 3, pick 81
- Round 4, pick 117
- Round 5, pick 154
- Round 6, pick 195
