The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off another one of those seasons that started slow but ended strong. With another 9-8 finish, Zac Taylor’s team missed the playoffs and entered the offseason with question marks at key positions.
While the Bengals were able to extend the contracts of both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the sudden retirement of defensive end Sam Hubbard and the contract stare down with top edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has the team potentially looking to replace booth.
Another key player questionable to be on the roster in 2025 is linebacker Germaine Pratt who is also unhappy with his current contract situation. The 2025 NFL Draft was an opportunity for the Bengals to find players who can step in and fill those potential holes and players who could add depth at other key positions.
Cincinnati Bengals address top needs:
The first two picks of the 2025 NFL Draft both address the possibilities of not having either Hendrickson or Pratt on the roster. If they can come to a resolution and keep Hendrickson, top pick Shemar Stewart should be able to complement the star pass rusher. If Hendrickson goes, there will be a lot of pressure on the rookie edge. In this draft the Bengals also added depth and a potential starter on the offensive line as well as at running back. Which rookies are in position to make an immediate impact in Year 1?
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Cincinnati Bengals:
Round 2, Pick No. 49 – Demetrius Knight Jr., LG, South Carolina: The Bengals selected Shemar Stewart with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to pair with or replace Trey Hendrickson. He should make an impact, but it is second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. who will have the better rookie season for the Bengals.
Although it was a surprise the Bengals took a linebacker with the No. 49 pick, Knight Jr. is a player with the versatility to play on- or off-ball linebacker. He may have been selected to eventually replace Germaine Pratt. Like Hendrickson, Pratt has also requested a trade this offseason. If the Bengals grant that request or even release him, the selection of the former South Carolina captain will make sense. That would put Knight Jr. in position to make an impact right away. With his blend of talent and leadership he should be a more impact rookie than Stewart.
Round 3, Pick No. 81 – Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia: Any offensive lineman brought in to help protect Joe Burrow will be in position to make an impact. Georgia product Dylan Fairchild was drafted into the perfect situation with the Bengals. As one of the top guards in the 2025 Draft, Fairchild is primed to at least competed for the starting left guard spot where he would play alongside former teammate Amarius Mims.
That familiarity along with his athleticism and power should help Fairchild settle in quickly to help protect Burrow’s blindside and keep the franchise quarterback healthy.
Round 6, Pick No. 193 – Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech: This one is a reach, but the talent of sixth-round pick Tahj Brooks could come into play during the season for the Bengals. Coming off a final season at Texas Tech in which he rushed for over 1500 yards for the second-consecutive season, Brooks should at the very least spark competition at running back behind Chase Brown.
With his running style and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, don’t be surprised if the Texas Tech product forms a two-headed running back threat with Brown by the time the NFL season reaches its midway point. Another weapon for Burrow is always a good thing!