The Cincinnati Bengals feel a little unpredictable throughout the 2025 NFL draft, especially with it seeming like an underrated position is a Round 1 possibility and they keep putting in work on big names at running back.
Experts, though, tend to align with fan thinking that the Bengals need to worry about the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow and every layer of the defense.
ESPN's Field Yates, for example, just threw out his ideal picks for the Bengals in the upcoming draft and follows that plan:
- Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
- Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
- Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
- Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
- Cam Horsley, DT, Boston College
- Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State
In that writeup Yates mentions that the offensive line is the most important thing, then he would like to see the Bengals add corners of different sizes and a strong pass-rushing prospect.
It's certainly an approach fans will like. Zabel keeps getting mentioned alongside the Bengals and would prevent them from starting one of Cody Ford-Cordell Volson-Lucas Patrick at guard next year.
The pass-rushing depth is an unproven problem behind Trey Hendrickson, who has that contract drama of his own. And cornerback features a host of younger names yet to emerge as high-quality and consistent, headlined by Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill.
Right now, this seems like the best possible approach for the Bengals, provided it aligns with their overall board.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' ideal picks in NFL draft outlined by insider
