Grading the Bengals' draft

Field Level Media|published: 04/26/2025, 9:46pm EDT

Edge rusher Shemar Stewart is greeted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B-

Best Pick: Edge Shemar Stewart, No. 17 Overall

What We Liked: Stewart has an impressive physical profile that should pair well with Trey Hendrickson coming off the line. The Bengals need a big splash after stagnating after their Super Bowl run, and they need more than a firecracker offense to get closer to the playoffs next year. Even their offensive additions should help keep Burrow stable, with third-round selection Dylan Fairchild as a high-floor guard prospect who has lots of experience. Barrett Carter, a linebacker taken in the fourth round, feels like a potential steal as well.

Not Sure About: Two linebackers feels like a bit much considering Germaine Pratt is a decent starter. Especially since I'm not sold on Demetrius Knight, who was a late bloomer at South Carolina and does not appear to have much more room to grow as a player. Fairchild is a solid interior lineman, but he doesn't project to be a long-term starter and may just continue the revolving door for the Bengals.

--Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media