Home Cincinnati Bengals ‘They Have To’ – Bengals Select Defensive Player in Major Analyst’s Final Mock Draft

‘They Have To’ – Bengals Select Defensive Player in Major Analyst’s Final Mock Draft

Cincinnati Bengals MrKen · April 24, 2025 · 0 Comment

Apr 23, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart (right) is interviewed by New Era Prep reporter Cassandra Clayton during the NFL Draft prospect clinic with Special Olympics at Draft Experience Field at Titletown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — ESPN’s Matt Miller dropped his final mock draft of the 2025 cycle on Thursday, noting an interesting declaration from one source.

Miller has Cincinnati taking Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart at Pick 17.

“A source told me not to overthink the Bengals’ draft plans, saying, ‘They have to get a rusher.’ Stewart is a toolsy player with high upside who could eventually replace Trey Hendrickson,” Miller wrote.

Cincinnati has boxed themselves in a bit today with how they’ve handled the 2025 offseason. They have major needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball, making it a little more difficult to go best player available at Pick 17.

Stewart could end up being the best player available in hindsight as the 18th-best player overall and fifth-best edge rusher on the consensus big board.