The Cincinnati Bengals face a crucial juncture as they eye a return to playoff contention after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. Despite boasting star quarterback Joe Burrow and a dynamic receiving duo in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals' defense has faltered significantly. Last season, they allowed an average of 25.5 points per game and struggled in red zone defense, which hampers their offensive potential.

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Bengals hold the No. 17 pick and are expected to target defensive players to shore up their roster. The focus now turns to potential new additions that could help reverse last season's trends. The Bengals need to improve defensively to complement their high-scoring offense and make a serious playoff run.

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the 17th pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, crucial for addressing needs on both the offensive and defensive lines. With their roster largely set through free agency, this draft represents a final chance to make significant improvements before training camp.

Key players such as Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been retained, while Trey Hendrickson and Germaine Pratt have requested trades, yet no deals have been finalized. Experts predict that the Bengals are likely to select Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams as their first pick, while potential later-round selections include safety Xavier Watts from Notre Dame and guard Dylan Fairchild from Georgia.

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently positioned at No. 10 in the latest NFL power rankings, underscoring their polarizing presence ahead of the upcoming draft. This ranking follows a relatively quiet free agency period, as the Bengals opted to focus on securing long-term contracts for star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While these moves highlight the team's strong offensive firepower led by Joe Burrow, concerns remain regarding the defense's effectiveness, which could hinder their success despite the offensive talent.

Entering the draft, the Bengals have significant gaps to fill, particularly on the offensive line and defense. The team's strategy has involved re-signing key players like B.J. Hill and bringing in impactful role players, such as nose tackle T.J. Slaton. General Manager Duke Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor seem to believe that a few strategic additions and coaching changes could propel the team back into playoff contention after narrowly missing out last season.