But NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein has the Bengals adding to the offense, not defense, in his first mock draft. The Bengals will take wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona at No. 17 in the first round, according to Zierlein.

NFL Draft is going to be an essential opportunity for the Bengals to find talented answers. In my recent seven-round mock draft, that was the aim. It is no surprise that

Cincinnati needs to bolster their offensive and defensive lines. On offense, it's all about the interior. They need better play from their guards. And on defense, they have to find a way to generate more pressure—both on the edge and up the middle. The good news is one of the strengths of the 2025 NFL Draft appears to be the trenches.

First, at No. 17, the Bengals take a potential replacement for Higgins in Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka had over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in two of his last three seasons. He missed three games in 2023 due to an injury.

The Cincinnati Bengals enter draft season early again for the second consecutive year. The orange and black have plenty of needs on both sides and how they address free agency will dictate their direction in the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.

Cincinnati Bengals Go All Defense in Latest ESPN Two-Round Mock Draft. The Bengals need major help on that side of the ball.