The Cincinnati Bengals must rebuild their defense, a process that might start with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

The talk of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason has largely focused on a receiving corps that was as talented as it was underpaid ahead of the new league year. Finally, the Bengals addressed those concerns, signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to $161 million and $115 million deals, respectively.

The offense will look nearly identical in 2025, and it’s a safe assumption that – if healthy – it will remain one of the most dangerous units in football. Without improvements on the other side of the ball, though, it might be rendered moot.

Cincinnati must spend significant resources on the defense in the later stages of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, a process that should include extending edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Following suit, the Bengals picked a standout defensive tackle in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.

Round 1, Pick 17: Oregon Defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon

Bringing back lineman B.J. Hill was a good start to maintaining the floor of the defensive line, but it’s clear the unit demands more talent. The team began to rectify that by signing T.J. Slaton Jr., but lacks a top-end star or the upside to pursue it.

Harmon, meanwhile, offers a blend of size (6-4, 313 pounds) and speed (4.97-second 40-yard dash) that elicits upside. He’s an explosive pass rushing threat who can push the pocket and aid edge rushers in their pursuit of opposing passers while finding the occasional sack himself.

Physical, versatile, and athletic, Harmon isn’t winding up in first-round mocks by accident. His floor as a powerful run stopper with a path to playing on every down should have de facto general manager Duke Tobin interested.

Round 2, Pick 49: Florida State Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas

For years, Cincinnati has tried its hand at cornerbacks who trade physicality for speed, hoping to create a dynamic secondary to return the ball to the offense. Time and time again, it didn’t work.

Thomas might not be the cleanest fit. But as a defensive back at his best in press-man coverage, few offer his brand of toughness at the line of scrimmage. Thomas is a nuisance for smaller receivers and can compete with bigger bodies, too.

There are concerns about his top-end speed and – with all physical corners – just how handsy he can get away with being, but he’d have a real chance to change the identity of this defense.

Round 3, Pick 81: Arizona State Running Back Cam Skattebo

Speaking of power, Skattebo would be a safe bet to add some to an offense largely built on explosiveness.

Running back Chase Brown had a successful season, running for 990 yards and seven scores, but he’ll never be mistaken for much of a between-the-tackles thumper. Skattebo offers an immediate complement, offering more density than the average 220-pound back and the contact balance to match.

With a part-time role alongside Zack Moss and Samaje Perine – and the ability to usurp both roles in future seasons – Skattebo can provide credibility to an offense that will need physicality if it plans on playing meaningful January football.