List of 2025 NFL Scouting Combine invites implores Bengals to attack their biggest need like they did last year

Getting invited to the Combine is the first major sign of a player being good enough to be drafted. It doesn't matter if you were an upperclassmen who ran out of eligibility, or an early declare hoping to be drafted in the first round. The Combine features over 300 potential draft picks looking to make quality first (sometimes second) impressions for interested clubs.

Over 12% of this year's invites went to defensive tackles, which is not a smaller percentage by any means. All defensive linemen are grouped together, making up a massive group of 73 players total that's 22% of the entire player base.

Cincinnati will need to replenish the DT position in the coming weeks. Sheldon Rankins is a virtual lock to be released after just one underwhelming year with the team, and B.J. Hill isn't expected to be re-signed as he enters his age 30 season in the league. A potential free agent splash could be made here like Rankins and DJ Reader were in past years, but new defensive coordinator Al Golden and new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery will likely want at least one rookie to mold.

Jenkins and Jackson showed flashes as rookies in 2024, but it's tough to guarantee them anything more than roster spots heading into their second years. Ideally, the Bengals will find two new starters via free agency and the draft, or have a rookie compete with the aforementioned incumbents for a starting gig.

Even if the Bengals didn't have a persistent need here, taking advantage of the strength of the draft is never a bad strategy. Drafting quality players is significantly more important than strictly targeting needs. 

This year looks like the best of both worlds for Cincinnati.