The Cincinnati Bengals hope Joe Burrow’s return to health will help them rebound from last year’s tough season.
A healthy Burrow instantly makes this team a Super Bowl contender in 2024, but that does not mean they should not already have half an eye on next offseason.
In our Bengals’ 7-round NFL mock draft, we examine which positions Cincinnati could be targeting next April and who it could have tabbed to fill those needs.
Who Could the Cincinnati Bengals Draft in 2025?
1.26) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Bengals haven’t traditionally used early-round capital on interior offensive linemen at a consistent clip, but protecting Joe Burrow now takes on greater importance as the AFC becomes stronger. Tyler Booker can help complete the puzzle for Cincinnati up front.
With Booker, Orlando Brown Jr., and Amarius Mims, the Bengals would have three of the most imposing linemen in the game. Booker is a massive specimen at 6’5″, 352 pounds — and yet, his lateral mobility is one of his strengths, along with his hand power and physicality.
The guard position is in need of being addressed next offseason, especially with all three potential starting interior offensive linemen set to be free agents after 2026. Booker would have the opportunity to learn from some very experienced linemen in Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, and could well start as a rookie.
2.58) Cincinnati Bengals: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
Zack Moss could be a bargain addition for the Bengals, but if they’re in the market for a long-term starter in 2025, Kyle Monangai could be a candidate. The 5’9″, 210-pound runner has superb cutting flexibility and vision, and he’s a stalwart pass protector as well.
When you look at this roster, Moss is under contract until 2025, while Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans are both due to hit free agency next year. Therefore, securing someone who can be a potential backup to Moss in 2025 before having the opportunity to step into a starting role in 2026 is something they need to have at the front of their mind next offseason.
3.90) Cincinnati Bengals: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
There’s no 1-to-1 replacement for Tee Higgins, but at 6’2″, Tory Horton can at least give back some of that size and vertical ability, and he brings strong hands over the middle.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Jermaine Burton was a nice addition to give them an option if Higgins were to leave during 2024, but Horton would give them more options if they decide they cannot keep both Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins on long-term deals in 2025 and beyond.
Rounds 4-7
4.123) Cincinnati Bengals
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
5.155) Cincinnati Bengals
Kamren Fabiculanan, DB, Washington
6.187) Cincinnati Bengals
Joey Slackman, DT, Florida
7.219) Cincinnati Bengals
Deshawn Pace, LB, UCF
