Cincinnati

After spending an absurd amount of money on Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins and granting EDGE Trey Hendrickson the permission to seek a trade, the Bengals need to focus on their defense or things could get ugly in Cincinnati. The Bengals need to decide what they are going to do with Hendrickson but regardless, another pass rusher is needed. With the 17th pick, several EDGE defenders should be available including Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Mike Green (Marshall), and Mykel Williams (Georgia). Cincy's pass defense last season was awful and a true shutdown CB is needed. Potential first round prospects include Jahdae Barron (Texas), Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky), and Quincy Riley (Louisville). Safety could also use an upgrade and the 2025 draft is deep with quality prospects. S Jaylen Reed (Penn State) and Lathan Ransom (Ohio State) make a pair of intriguing candidates. On offense, the Bengals may want to use a mid round pick on an IOL to improve the inside protection for Burrow.