Fixing the Trenches: Bengals' 2025 Draft Strategy for Offensive & Defensive Dominance

Dive deep into the Cincinnati Bengals' philosophy and strategy heading into the crucial 2025 NFL Draft. As April arrives, so does the anticipation for how the Bengals will build upon their foundation. This video explores the enduring principle established by team founder Paul Brown: Draft, Develop, Retain. This core tenet remains the bedrock of the Bengals' approach to team building, aiming for sustained success rather than quick fixes.

We examine recent proof of this philosophy in action, highlighting the extensions and mega-deals for cornerstone players like Joe Burrow (2020 1st pick), Tee Higgins (2020 2nd round pick), and Ja'Marr Chase (2021 1st pick). These moves underscore the commitment to identifying talent in the draft, nurturing its growth within the Bengals' system, and ultimately securing those players for the long term.

The discussion extends to the Bengals' recent free agency moves, where 13 out of 17 initial signings were their own players they opted to retain. This further emphasizes their dedication to keeping homegrown talent like Mike Gesicki, BJ Hill, Tanner Hudson, Joseph Ossai, and Cam Sample while strategically adding external pieces. This strategy has not only built continuity but also contributed to making Cincinnati an increasingly attractive destination for free agents seeking a successful and stable environment.

A significant portion of the video delves into the unique structure of the Bengals' draft evaluation process, another legacy of Paul Brown. Learn how the coaching staff is deeply integrated, acting as extensions of the scouting department. Position coaches meticulously break down film and study tape, project players' fits into the Bengals' specific offensive and defensive schemes, and actively participate in interviews and visits.

Discover the potential "secret weapon" the Bengals possess this year with Defensive Coordinator Al Golden. His recent experience coaching at Notre Dame provides invaluable insight into Fighting Irish prospects like Howard Cross, Jack Kiser, Xavier Watts, and Benjamin Morrison. Beyond just Notre Dame players, Golden's recent immersion in the college game means he's prepared defensive game plans against a wide array of top college offenses and prospects nationwide, giving the Bengals an extra layer of evaluation depth. This insight, combined with the college coaching backgrounds of other staff members (OL, DL, LB coaches), creates a robust evaluation team.

The video emphasizes why this draft aligns perfectly with the Bengals' pressing needs. Experts widely regard the 2025 draft class as exceptionally deep along the interior offensive and defensive lines – precisely where Cincinnati needs reinforcement to compete effectively, especially within the physical AFC North.

We identify and analyze several potential draft targets who could bolster the trenches:

Offensive Line: Names like Kelvin Banks (Texas), Will Campbell (LSU), Josh Conerly (Oregon), Marcus Minor (Purdue), Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona), and Gray Zabel (NDSU) are discussed, with a strong emphasis on the crucial trait of position versatility. The ability of a lineman to play both tackle and guard or multiple interior spots is highly valued in today's NFL.

Defensive Line: Explore prospects suited for the interior, like Notre Dame's Howard Cross, Michigan's powerful duo of Mason Graham and the exceptionally athletic Kenneth Grant, Oklahoma's long-armed Derek Harmon, Kentucky's massive Deone Walker, and Ohio State's Tyleik Williams. The need for stout run defenders and interior pass rush is paramount.

Edge Rushers: This section briefly touches upon high-upside edge players like Abdul Carter (Penn State), James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), and Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), acknowledging the Bengals' potential interest if top talent slides.

Ultimately, the Bengals' draft strategy involves identifying the best available athlete who fits their culture and scheme, particularly when top talent unexpectedly falls. While needs on the offensive and defensive lines are clear, the Bengals won't hesitate to add value at other positions. This draft presents a massive opportunity to solidify the lines, protect Joe Burrow, improve the run defense, and maximize their championship window by adhering to their time-tested "Draft, Develop, Retain" philosophy.

Join us for the 3rd Annual First Star Logistics Draft Party! Watch Day 2 (Rounds 2 & 3) live from Handlebar at Great American Ballpark, starting Friday, April 25th at 7 PM. Hosted by Brad Johansen, with analysis from Joe Goodberry and myself, plus special Bengals guests! It's sold out in person, but you can catch the live stream exclusively on the First Star Media Group YouTube channel! 

Don't miss it!