Happy Mock Draft Monday, everyone. I am releasing my first official mock draft of the year, as the draft is now less than two weeks away! It took me some time to understand all the prospects available. After many weeks of research, I am comfortable enough to make a prediction. Almost all positions are on the big board for the Bengals, and they only have 6 picks headed into the draft. They’ll need to hit big on all 6 or trade back and acquire more. Using PFF’s mock draft simulator, let’s see how this mock draft Monday shakes out.
R1-P23 | OT Kelvin Banks Jr. | Texas
The Bengals originally held the 17th pick in the NFL draft. I decided to trade back with the hometown Green Bay Packers. For pick 17, the Packers gave picks 23, 87, and 124. The Packers move up 6 spots and take WR Matthew Golden.
I decided to go with tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas, who the Bengals have met with. The plan for him would be to kick immediately into that left guard spot and be the backup tackle in case Orlando Brown Jr. goes down to injury. His arms are shorter than average for the NFL level, and I envision him as a franchise-changing guard prospect. Athletically, he tested at a 9.54/10 when changing his position to guard.
R2-P49 | Edge Bradyn Swinson | LSU
For my next selection, I decided to beef up the pass rush and select Bradyn Swinson out of LSU. In 2024, he recorded a 20% pass rush win rate, which was one of the best in college football. He would be a fun rotation piece to add to the mix and a guy who would receive a ton of snaps in 2025. With Trey Hendrickson’s future in doubt, he could become the replacement if all goes smoothly.
R3-P81 | S Kevin Winston | Penn State
Kevin Winston is coming off a torn ACL in 2024. Before that, he was a top safety in the draft after a stellar 2023 campaign. The Bengals are looking to add to the back half of their secondary, and adding Kevin Winston at pick 81 is a low-risk, high-reward situation. He could even compete for that starting safety role if he has a strong start to camp in July.
R3-P87 | RB Damien Martinez | Miami (FL)
Damien Martinez would be a bit of a surprise pick for the Bengals, but with the extra 3rd round pick in their pockets, I think it makes sense. They have invited many running-back prospects on visits, so they are definitely in the market. I don’t foresee them attacking a physical back until late day 3, but Martinez provides them a great compliment to Chase Brown.
R4-P119 | DT Jamaree Caldwell | Oregon
Jamaree Caldwell had an outstanding season on that Oregon defensive front. He registered an 81.6 run defensive grade on PFF and had a 9.3% pass rush win rate. He would need to develop his finishing rate, but he would be a solid rotation to that defensive tackle room.
R4-P124 | TE Gunnar Helm | Texas
Adding my second Texas player to the Bengals, Gunnar Helm would likely be that impact player that Erick All was for the Bengals in 2024. He has the ideal inline tight end size and was an elite aspect of that Texas offense. He would be a great compliment to Mike Gesicki and would be a fun prospect to watch.
R5-P153 | OT Logan Brown | Kansas
Logan Brown would be a solid backup tackle in the Bengals’ offensive line room. He brings the ideal tackle size and strength to be a great OL6 piece. He was also a great athlete at the combine and had a RAS score of 9.5/10.
R6-P193 | DT Ty Robinson | Nebraska
For the Bengals’ final pick, I selected Ty Robinson out of Nebraska. He was a solid pass rusher throughout the entire season and should bring some juice to take advantage of as the season progresses. He played a ton of offensive line talent in the Big 10 and only graded higher as the season went on. A solid addition to round out the 2025 class.
Recap and Misses
All in all, this would be a solid draft for the Bengals. They add 3 or 4 starters and some high-quality backups, which is what this draft is about. A trade down is likely unrealistic but not improbable until day 2. I think it’ll all depend on what the board looks like and if the Bengals are comfortable at 17.
I failed to add a linebacker in this draft, which likely means they will keep Germaine Pratt for another season, which would not be ideal. Hopefully, with the addition of pass rushers, he will have a solid rebound season. I also did not add a top DT in a strong DT class, but the guys I selected should be serviceable.
I’ll have my 2nd mock draft Monday out next week, so be on the lookout!
