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Bengals Finally Replace Jessie Bates III in Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Licciardi | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 7:55 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals can finally let out a sigh of relief after extending receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on four-year deals. Quarterback Joe Burrow is happy, the fanbase is relieved, and the offense is set to be elite again in 2025.

The defense is another story. As the Trey Hendrickson situation lingers, the Bengals are tasked with upgrading a defense whose collapse effectively wasted a year of Burrow’s prime and stripped the organization of a playoff run.

Thus, it’s no surprise so much speculation has been spent on which first-round prospects best fit Cincinnati. Part of that equation, though, is a strong defensive line class that might not fall in line with the middle of the first round. If Hendrickson isn’t being optimized or replaced in Round 1, who might hear their name called at No. 17?

The Bengals picked Jessie Bates III’s long-awaited replacement in this two-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.

Round 1, Pick 17: Georgia Safety Malaki Starks

Cincinnati’s defense will be the focus of the coming months as edge rusher Trey Hendrickson searches for a new contract and the rest of the unit looks to rebound from a rather pathetic 2024 campaign. Starks, the best defensive back on a stacked Georgia defense, offers the profile and pedigree to facilitate that improvement.

Starks is a versatile safety with 4.50-second speed, strong mental processing, and a knack for being around the ball despite suboptimal size and burst. Sound familiar?

The Bengals have suffered greatly in the two seasons since Bates’ departure, and Starks is worthy of filling shoes that have turned more dynamic prospects into fodder for opposing passing offenses.

Headlining a complex Kirby Smart defense and excelling in multiple roles, Starks is a top-15 prospect that could encourage Cincinnati to pivot off the defensive line in Round 1.

Round 2, Pick 49: Offensive Lineman Jonah Savaiinaea

The Bengals parted ways with guard Alex Cappa and signed Lucas Patrick to replace him, but neither he nor Cordell Volson offer much optimism on the interior.

For as much help as the defense needs, protecting quarterback Joe Burrow will be a perpetual priority for Cincinnati. Spending real draft capital up front – like the Bengals did in 2024 with tackle Amarius Mims – is the quickest way to ensure he stays upright.

Savaiinaea played offensive tackle in college but has publicly confirmed that he can play guard at the next level. That’s likely what the NFL has in store for him, given his build (although his arm length exceeded expectations). While he’s earned the right to try playing tackle first, the Bengals could better use him inside, where his elite athleticism can make a difference in the run game and his chops in pass protection can bolster the interior.

If nothing else, he’s a versatile option who adds depth as he grows into his more formidable upside.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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