The Bengals have had success drafting Ohio State defensive players before.
Every year, many Cincinnati Bengals fans love to think about which Ohio State Buckeyes prospects could be good fits in stripes.
In 2018, the Bengals drafted Sam Hubbard in the third round of the NFL Draft. Hubbard delivered a solid seven-year career, highlighted by “The Hubbard Yard Dash” in the Bengals win over the Ravens in the Playoffs in January of 2023.
More importantly, Hubbard was a big part of the Bengals’ revival and rebranding as an organization and in the city of Cincinnati, with Zac Taylor resetting the culture in the locker room.
In his latest two-round mock draft, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bengals drafting Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau 49th overall.
Kiper writes on Tuimoloau: “Regardless of whether Trey Hendrickson stays in Cincinnati, the Bengals have to do something to improve the rest of the pass rush. Tuimoloau — my No. 2 defensive end in the class — had 12.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season.”
Tuimoloau also had 22 tackles for loss last season, playing a key role in the Buckeyes’ run to the National Championship. He was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection.
Kiper’s first-round selection for the Bengals is Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Kiper calls Campbell “a complete football player.”
In 2024, Campbell had 12 tackles, five sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, 16 pressures, 12 run stops, an interception, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Sounds like what you want in a linebacker.
Campbell was First-Team All-SEC last season.
The NFL Draft this year could be a weekend where everything comes to a resolution or crescendos. Will the Bengals come to an agreement with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson? Could they trade him during the NFL Draft?
There’s also the storyline of what’s going to happen with Germaine Pratt. He also requested a trade this offseason. That’s why Campbell would be a smart draft pick for the Bengals.
Either way, this offseason has no shortage of action and activity.
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