Cincinnati Goes All Defense in Latest ESPN Two-Round Mock Draft

The Bengals need major help on that side of the ball.

Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team defensive lineman Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M (14) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Matt Miller dropped his latest two-round mock draft and Cincinnati rolled with two edge-rushing talents. Things start with Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart at Pick 17.

Stewart is ranked 23rd on the consensus big board and sixth among edge rushers.

"The lack of talent around Trey Hendrickson on the Bengals' defense was a huge reason Cincinnati missed the playoffs for a second straight season," Miller wrote. "Along with a new defensive coordinator, we should expect several key defensive additions in the offseason. Stewart is a tough evaluation. He checks every box, from his 6-foot-5, 281-pound size to his speed and power. But he had only 1.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons. That's something teams must dig in on in the coming months. If the Bengals can unlock that next-level talent, he'd give them inside-outside pass-rush ability."

Next, Cincinnati selected Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau at Pick 49.

"If the Bengals are able to keep free agent receiver Tee Higgins, they'd be able to go heavy on defense in the draft," Miller wrote. "Tuimoloau had 10.5 sacks in a great senior season and would be a player capable of starting on day one for a defense that finished 26th in defensive EPA."

The former Buckeye is ranked 43rd on the consensus big board and 10th among edge rushers.

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