Cincinnati Bengals Appear Poised to Address Big Need in First Round of 2025 NFL Draft

The Bengals have the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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CINCINNATI — Could Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon be off the board when the Bengals are on the clock at No. 17 in Thursday night's NFL Draft?

Draft analyst Todd McShay says it's a realistic possibility in his latest update.

McShay also added that Cincinnati is in on Walter Nolan with the 17th overall selection.

"He's supremely talented and I think Cincinnati is a team that might be comfortable with some of the off-field red flags that could cause him to slide." McShay wrote.

Nolen was part of six different football programs over the past seven seasons dating back to high school. There's some concern that he doesn't love football.

It's worth noting that the Bengals met with him at the NFL Combine and also brought him in on a 30 visit earlier this month.

Both Nolen and Harmon would help round out a Bengals defensive tackle unit that needs more pass rush juice. They have solid players like B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton, but they need to bolster their pass rush.

Other first round pass rushers the Bengals could target include Shemar Turner, Jalon Walker and Mike Green.

For more on the Bengals' draft plans, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Also be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon

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James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati