What the Bengals Shouldn’t Do with Their 2025 First-Round Pick
Alright, Bengals fans, let’s talk. The 2024 season? Rough. No sugarcoating it—Cincinnati fell just short of making the playoffs. That stings, especially when you’ve got a franchise quarterback like Joe Burrow at the helm. But if we’re being real, this wasn’t on the offense.
Burrow did his thing. His receiving corps? Still top-tier. Even with injuries and a few hiccups here and there, the offensive unit held its ground and then some. The real cracks showed up on the other side of the ball—yep, the defense. It wasn’t sharp, it lacked consistency, and it straight-up failed to deliver when it mattered most.
Now, heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals are holding the No. 17 overall pick. It’s a decent spot to land a potential game-changer, and if you’re following what the front office has been up to, the message is clear: DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.
They’ve already added a few pieces in free agency—T.J. Slaton on the defensive line, Oren Burks at linebacker, and Lucas Patrick to help out on the O-line. But if Cincinnati wants to take that next step—and they absolutely should—they can’t afford to fumble this pick by chasing shiny toys on offense.
So let’s break it down. Here are a few names that might pop up during the draft hype cycle… but who the Bengals should definitely avoid at No. 17.
❌ Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
On paper? Emeka Egbuka is a dream prospect. Great hands, elite route-running, and the kind of smooth athleticism that makes you do a double take. He cracked over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 and played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national title run. Oh, and he played just up the road from Cincinnati—so yeah, he’s on the radar.
But let’s be real: this would be a luxury pick. A big one.
Cincinnati already has two WR1-caliber studs in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. And with both expected to secure massive contract extensions, spending a first-rounder on another receiver makes zero sense. Sure, adding Egbuka might make the offense even more explosive, but at what cost? That pick could be used to plug glaring holes on the defense. Value receivers can still be found in the later rounds if depth becomes an issue.
❌ Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Okay, now here’s a name that might tempt Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ staff. Colston Loveland is a versatile weapon. At Michigan, he lined up both as a traditional tight end and out wide in the slot. He's got good hands, solid speed for the position, and can create mismatches against slower linebackers or smaller DBs.
Sounds great, right? Well… yes, but also no.
Tight end was a need—past tense—before the team brought back Mike Gesicki. The veteran TE had a decent 2024, and while he isn’t blowing the roof off the stadium, he’s serviceable. Drafting Loveland with the No. 17 pick would be a reach considering the team’s defensive needs. If they really want a tight end, look in the second or third rounds.
❌ Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Now here’s a polarizing prospect. Luther Burden III has that “wow” factor when he’s got the ball in his hands. He’s built like a possession receiver, but don’t be fooled—he can turn a routine slant into a 40-yard gain with his after-the-catch ability.
In 2023, Burden torched defenses for over 1,000 yards. But 2024? Not so much. Missouri’s offense sputtered, and his numbers dipped. Combine that with some whispered concerns about his character and locker room fit, and you’ve got a potential red flag.
With Cincinnati already dealing with some off-field baggage in the receiver room, this pick would be walking on thin ice. Burden could be a star… or he could bring drama to a team that doesn’t need distractions.
❌ Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Let’s switch it up and talk trenches. Tyler Booker is a mauler. Big frame, serious power, and a mean streak that shows up on every snap. He’s arguably the best pure guard in this class, especially when it comes to run blocking.
Here’s the catch: the Bengals run a pass-first offense. Booker thrives in zone and power-heavy schemes. But when it comes to defending against athletic edge rushers and operating in space? He’s not quite as dominant.
Yes, the Bengals need help on the interior O-line, but they don’t need to spend their top pick to fix it. Tate Ratledge or Jonah Savaiinaea could be mid-round steals that fit the system better. Save that first-round pick for a defensive stud who can actually shift the needle.
So... Who Should the Bengals Pick?
Let’s not get it twisted—the Bengals are close. Not Super Bowl contenders just yet, but not far off either. They’ve got the quarterback. They’ve got the weapons. What they don’t have is a defense that can consistently get stops when it counts.
That means at pick No. 17, the front office needs to lock in on impact defenders—cornerbacks, edge rushers, maybe a high-upside linebacker. Think playmakers, not placeholders.
This isn’t the year to get cute with flashy offensive talent unless it’s a can’t-miss, blue-chip prospect who somehow falls in their lap. This is the year to draft like a contender and build a balanced team.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Waste the Window
Let’s call it like it is: Joe Burrow is in his prime. The window is open. The AFC is stacked, and if the Bengals want to stay relevant, they can’t afford to waste another year on a “what if.”
Spending their top pick on a wide receiver or tight end—positions where they already have depth—is like buying new rims for a car with a busted engine. The flash is nice, but you won’t get far.
The 2025 NFL Draft is the Bengals’ chance to finally shore up a defense that’s been playing catch-up. Let’s hope they stay smart and don’t fall for the trap of temptation.
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