The Cincinnati Bengals have a number of critical needs going into the 2025 NFL Draft, making it challenging to pinpoint a single “biggest” need. However, edge rusher is certainly one of their top priorities.
While standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson topped the NFL in sacks in 2024, the Bengals as a team struggled. They finished with only 36 sacks total, ranking among the lowest in the league with the seventh-fewest.
The Cincinnati Bengals have several major areas of need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, so identifying one area as the “biggest” need is somewhat of a tough task. But, edge rusher is right at the top of the list, that’s for sure.
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson led the entire NFL in sacks in 2024, but as a team, Cincinnati was near the bottom of the barrel. The Bengals recorded just 36 total sacks, which was the seventh-fewest number league-wide.
Using their first-round pick (No. 17 overall) on an edge rusher would likely be a smart move for the Bengals. One edge rusher in particular, Nic Scourton from Texas A&M, was identified by Bleacher Report as a “dream” first-round draft target for Cincinnati.
”Scourton has a unique build for the position at 6’4″, 280 pounds. That makes him an ideal candidate to join the Bengals’ defensive front. They need pass-rushing help, but they can’t afford to do it at the expense of their run defense. He would be the best of both worlds. … Myles Murphy hasn’t shown he can live up to his promise, and Trey Hendrickson is an aging and expensive veteran. Scourton could be a cornerstone of the defensive line for the future.”
It’s possible that the Bengals took note of Bleacher Report’s post, but more likely, they thoroughly scouted Nic Scourton and were impressed by what they saw. They even met with him at the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
In addition to Scourton, Cincinnati also connected with several other top pass rushers, including Walter Nolen, Mykel Williams, James Pearce Jr., Shemar Stewart, and Mike Green, according to Sports Illustrated.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin has expressed a strong appreciation for the defensive line talent in the 2025 draft class, which bodes well for Cincinnati, given their urgent need for upgrades in that area.
“I think this draft offers a lot of d-linemen. I think this is one the better d-line groups,” Tobin said. “… I am excited about the draft for d-line.”
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