Cincinnati Bengals Could Add All-American Talent to Offense Through NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals have been on the rise in recent years, establishing themselves as a competitive force in the NFL, largely due to the dynamic play of quarterback Joe Burrow and the formidable receiving tandem of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. With the team now firmly entrenched as one of the top contenders in the AFC, they’re positioned to further bolster their offense in the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially adding All-American caliber talent that could propel them to the next level.
As the Bengals gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves in an intriguing position. While the offense is already strong, there are areas where the team could use additional firepower. The offensive line has been a consistent area of concern in past seasons, as Burrow has faced heavy pressure at times. Adding depth and talent to the front five could go a long way in ensuring that the Bengals’ star quarterback has the time and protection needed to continue orchestrating high-level play.
However, the Bengals’ offensive scheme is also heavily reliant on skill position players, and this year’s draft class offers a wealth of talent at both wide receiver and running back. With a strong draft class in both categories, Cincinnati could look to add more dynamic playmakers to complement the likes of Chase and Higgins, ensuring that the offense becomes even more multifaceted and difficult to defend against.
Wide Receiver Class Loaded with Elite Talent
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature a deep class of wide receivers, many of whom are expected to make an immediate impact in the league. While the Bengals already boast one of the NFL’s top receiving duos in Chase and Higgins, they could seek additional weapons to deepen their receiving corps. Depth at wide receiver is crucial in today’s pass-happy NFL, and the Bengals have the potential to add a high-caliber talent through the draft.
One name that stands out as an All-American caliber talent is Marvin Harrison Jr., the standout wide receiver from Ohio State. Harrison is widely regarded as one of the best wideouts in the country, and his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability make him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to add a high-impact receiver. His excellent hands and ability to win contested catches make him a versatile weapon that could complement Burrow’s downfield passing game.
Another potential target could be Brock Bowers, a tight end from Georgia, whose dynamic ability as both a pass-catcher and a blocker has turned heads. Bowers has been a consistent force in the SEC, and his blend of size and athleticism allows him to create mismatches with defenders. Adding someone like Bowers to the Bengals’ offensive scheme would give Burrow another potent weapon over the middle of the field and in the red zone. A tight end of Bowers’ caliber could also help bolster the running game, as his blocking ability would support the Bengals’ running backs in both power and zone runs.
Running Back Depth Adds Another Dimension
The running back position is another area where the Bengals could add an All-American talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Joe Mixon has been a reliable starter for the team, the Bengals could look to inject some fresh legs into their backfield, especially with the way the NFL has trended toward using multiple backs to keep players fresh and maximize the offense’s versatility.
One of the most exciting names at running back is Braelon Allen, a powerful and explosive back from Wisconsin. Allen has been a dominant force in college football, showcasing the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His combination of vision, size, and speed could allow him to thrive in Cincinnati’s zone-blocking scheme and give the Bengals another dynamic weapon alongside Mixon. Allen would offer a complement to the finesse of Mixon, giving the Bengals the ability to mix up their ground game and become more unpredictable.
Another intriguing option is Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama, whose explosive speed and quick-cutting ability could offer a different dimension to the Bengals’ running back rotation. Gibbs has been one of the most exciting backs in college football, using his ability to hit the edge and break off long runs. His receiving skills out of the backfield could be particularly valuable, giving Burrow an additional safety valve in the passing game, which is an element that could further diversify Cincinnati’s offensive attack.
Offensive Line Needs to Be Addressed
While adding elite skill position talent is certainly appealing, the Bengals also need to focus on their offensive line. Though they made improvements in recent years, the offensive line remains an area of concern, particularly in pass protection. Burrow has been sacked more times than any other quarterback in the league since entering the NFL, and as he matures into a superstar, it’s critical that the Bengals ensure he has the protection needed to stay healthy and continue playing at a high level.
In this year’s draft, there are some highly regarded offensive line prospects that the Bengals could target. Joe Alt from Notre Dame is a top-tier left tackle prospect who could provide an immediate upgrade. Alt’s combination of size, strength, and technical skill could help shore up the left side of the offensive line and give Burrow the protection he needs to stay upright and operate in the pocket.
Another option is Carter Warren from Pittsburgh, an athletic and versatile tackle who could play both on the left or right side of the line. Warren’s ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes would be a major asset for the Bengals as they look to upgrade their offensive line and establish a more consistent ground game.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft
With so many talented players available in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals are primed to add more pieces to their already potent offense. Whether they choose to go after a playmaking wide receiver like Harrison, a dynamic tight end like Bowers, or a bruising running back like Allen, Cincinnati has the chance to further elevate their offensive unit to become one of the most well-rounded and dangerous teams in the league.
With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals’ offense is already among the best in the AFC, but adding another All-American caliber talent could make them even more lethal and provide the team with the tools necessary to capture a Super Bowl title in the coming years. The Bengals’ future looks incredibly promising, and the upcoming draft could be a key moment in their continued rise to prominence in the NFL.
