The Cincinnati Bengals focused this offseason on keeping their offense running smoothly heading into the 2025 season and beyond. However, their defense still needs some attention.
It was clear the Bengals’ defense had its struggles early last season, and given the heavy investment on offense, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they used their first-round draft pick on a defensive player.
In fact, in the most recent mock draft roundup, every analyst projects Cincinnati selecting a defensive prospect in the first round.
Bengals are locked in on defense in 2025 NFL Mock Draft roundup
NFL.com: Malaki Starks, S (Georgia)
Gennaro Filice of NFL.com matched the Bengals with Georgia safety Malaki Starks in his latest mock draft. Filice highlighted how the Bengals have struggled at the safety position ever since Jessie Bates left for the Falcons two years ago — and he’s absolutely right. Starks would bring much-needed speed and playmaking ability to Cincinnati’s secondary, potentially transforming a long-standing weakness into a strength.
Grade: B+
CBS Sports: Mike Green, EDGE (Marshall)
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports supported the idea of the Bengals bolstering their pass rush and linked them to Marshall’s Mike Green. Green racked up an impressive 17 sacks in 2024, and while Marshall isn’t part of a Power Four conference, 17 sacks is still a big deal.
Benjamin noted that this move would become even more crucial if Trey Hendrickson departs, adding that “pretty much any defensive help would be a plus for Cincinnati.” Hard to argue with that.
Grade: A-
NBC Sports: Kenneth Grant, DL (Michigan)
Bengals fans have gotten used to seeing Kenneth Grant mocked to them in the first round, and Connor Rogers of NBC Sports kept that momentum going. Rogers backed the pick, noting that Grant addresses Cincinnati’s need at nose tackle while also contributing to the pass rush.
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