The idea the Cincinnati Bengals could take a running back in the 2025 NFL draft isn’t an outlandish one.
Just how high the Bengals would actually take the position while remaining so all-in on Chase Brown, though, is a conversation worth having.
In a new mock draft from Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman, the Bengals stun and go with North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round:
“Cincinnati ranked 27th in team rushing grade and 26th in yards after contact per attempt last season, highlighting a clear need for backfield help. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is a yards-after-contact machine who could provide the Bengals with much-needed offensive balance. With buzz growing around Hampton as a potential first-round pick, Cincinnati could be the team that makes that surprise move.”
Barring a shocking fall for Ashton Jeanty, the Bengals don’t figure to sacrifice other positions in order to grab a running back in the opening round.
Hampton is a great prospect, of course — he’s an all-around player who just ran for 1,600-plus yards and 15 scores on a 5.9 average last year. But the Bengals already have Brown and brought back Samaje Perine in free agency.
Given the needs at offensive guard and across the defense, running back is a luxury the Bengals can’t really afford in Round 1. The team pulling off something similar to the Joe Mixon surprise in Round 2, though, could be on the table.
