Cincinnati Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Review - Will Shemar Stewart be a Star? FIVE Week 1 Starters?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy focused on bolstering their defense and offensive line, addressing critical needs while taking calculated risks on high-upside players. With six picks, the Bengals aimed to support their elite offense, led by Joe Burrow, and revamp a defense that struggled in 2024.   The draft class, headlined by first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart, shows promise but carries questions about immediate impact and production.   In the first round, selecting Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart at No. 17 was a bold move. Stewart, a 6-5, 267-pound athletic marvel, boasts elite traits—34 1/8-inch arms, an 84 ¾-inch wingspan, and a 40-inch vertical. However, his college production (1.5 sacks per season) raises concerns about his ability to translate raw talent into NFL success. With Trey Hendrickson’s future uncertain, Stewart’s selection addresses a long-term need at edge rusher, but his boom-or-bust profile is risky for a team needing immediate defensive help. Defensive coordinator Al Golden’s confidence in Stewart’s playmaking away from the line suggests a developmental plan, but patience will be required.   The second-round pick, South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (No. 49), was a strategic grab to solidify the linebacker corps. With Germaine Pratt potentially on the trade block, Knight is poised to compete for a starting role alongside Logan Wilson. His six-year college journey across multiple schools indicates resilience, but his limited time at South Carolina (one season) leaves questions about consistency. Still, Knight’s selection aligns with the Bengals’ need for defensive playmakers under new coordinator Al Golden.   In the third round, Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild (No. 81) addressed a glaring need on the offensive line. Fairchild, praised for his power and wrestling background, fits new offensive line coach Scott Peters’ system. While lacking experience, his upside as a potential starter in the Wyatt Teller mold could protect Burrow, whose health is paramount.   Later picks, including Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter (fourth round), Miami tackle Jalen Rivers (fifth), and Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks (sixth), added depth. Carter and Knight bolster linebacker versatility, Rivers provides tackle insurance, and Brooks offers running back depth behind Chase Brown.   They targeted key areas—edge, linebacker, and offensive line—but overreached on some picks, particularly Stewart, whose limited production is a gamble. While Fairchild and Knight could start early, the class’s success hinges on Stewart’s development and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize raw talent.