There are almost too many options at 17.
It’s finally here. The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us. In just a couple days, we’ll get to watch Roger Goodell read 32 names, changing the future of 32 incredibly gifted young athletes. The Cincinnati Bengals — who, unfortunately, have many holes to fill — have only six picks to work with (they gave their seventh-round pick to the Bears for Khalil Herbert).
This year’s draft class, however, and the fact there are so many holes to fill, could actually be manipulated to their advantage.
That is, if they can trade back in the first round.
Here’s the thing about needing help at guard, defensive tackle, edge, linebacker, and defensive back: this year’s draft class is loaded with talent at those exact positions. There’s a real possibility a potential starter is available at every one of those positions when the Bengals go on the clock with the No. 17 overall pick.
If a player has fallen — say, a quarterback — and draws interest from multiple teams, the Bengals could trade back, acquire more picks, and still have multiple starters available when they go on the clock later.
So let’s say the Bengals are on the clock and here’s who’s available to them:
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Texas
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
What do they do? They could make a case for each and every one of these guys. It would be hard to miss with so much to choose from. So why not trade back, if you can? Why not drop into the mid-to-late 20s if it lands you one — or maybe even two — extra Day 2 picks? If guaranteeing yourself Green, Banks, Campbell, or any of the guys on the above list sounds nice, there’s a strong shot at still landing one of them, plus more potential difference-makers, just a few picks later.
Will it even be a possibility? Who knows. This is a weird draft class (I say that every year), and I could see multiple scenarios — including one where a surprise quarterback falls to No. 17 and multiple teams try to move up and secure him before the Seahawks, who signed Sam Darnold, get a chance to find his heir. Maybe it’ll work out, and maybe it won’t. I’d be disappointed to learn the Bengals received calls and decided to stay put, though — especially if there are still several players available who could help them.
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If the Bengals can come out of the draft with another guard to take a starting spot (or at least compete for one), a talented edge rusher, and some depth at linebacker, defensive back, and along the interior of the defensive line, this could be a great draft. The best way to make that happen is to have as many picks as possible. The only way to get more is to trade back.
We’ll see.
No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you’ll find
You get what you need
