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Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Class: All six picks Cincinnati made to bolster needs all over the roster

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 7:40 PM ET

Six new players are joining the Cincinnati Bengals from the 2025 NFL Draft.

An average Bengals draft class typically involves more than just six picks, but Cincinnati opted to not trade down throughout the first six rounds and held on to its future draft capital instead of jumping back into the seventh round.

Here are all the picks the Bengals made in the draft, along with where the players ranked on the A to Z Sports Top 200 Big Board.

Round 1, Pick 17: Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart

Big Board Rank: 14th

Cincinnati's first-round pick is a gigantic swing on one of the best athletes entering the NFL this year. Stewart possesses an insane combination of speed and explosion with more than enough size to handle the AFC North. The Bengals are signing up to put all those elite tools to good use. Expect Stewart to be heavily involved in the rotation on the edge, if he doesn't ascend over Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy as the starter.

Round 2, Pick 49: South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.

Big Board Rank: 85th

The first surprise of the Bengals' draft was taking Knight, but the position he plays is not the surprising aspect. Cincinnati was in need of a starting linebacker to officially move on from Germaine Pratt, and Knight was on new defensive coordinator Al Golden's radar from the start of the round. The 24-year old comes into the NFL having seen a lot of practice and playing time. He's able to play on all three downs immediately and may develop into one of the young leaders of the defense. Look for him next to Logan Wilson this fall.

Round 3, Pick 81: Georgia G Dylan Fairchild

Big Board Rank: 108th

It had been 13 years since the Bengals drafted a true guard in the top 100 picks. Fairchild was the target of new offensive line coach Scott Peters, who worked him out at Georgia's Pro Day and became sold on his abilities and fit. Cincinnati expects Fairchild to compete for the starting left guard job as soon as he enters the building.

Round 4, Pick 119: Clemson LB Barrett Carter

Big Board Rank: 74th

A double dip at linebacker was not on anyone's mock draft for the Bengals, but Carter was in consideration from the Bengals earlier in the draft and was one of the highest-ranked players remaining on the board. Like Knight, Carter plays fast and was renowned for his leadership. Golden described him as a true inside "stack" linebacker, indicating he'll be the direct backup to Wilson.

New Bengals OL Jalen Rivers practicing at the Reese's Senior Bowl.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Round 5, Pick 153: Miami OT Jalen Rivers

Big Board Rank: 183rd

Another double dip! Kinda. Rivers played both tackle and guard during his time with the Hurricanes. He even played both positions in the same games for most of 2024. That versatility will help Rivers not just make the team, but potentially dress for game days. Cincinnati may try him at tackle first to see if he can land the swing backup role behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, but don't count him out from repping at any spot along the line.

Round 6, Pick 193: Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks

Big Board Rank: Unranked

The lone offensive skill player drafted to the Bengals is a running back. Brooks is an extremely physical running back who prides himself on never going down via the first tackler. Every running back room could use guys who embody that philosophy. Brooks is also adept running out of the shotgun and well versed in pass protection, making him an ideal fit in Cincinnati's offense.