The Cincinnati Bengals need upgrades in 2025 after a tremendously disappointing season that saw massive defensive struggles.
The Bengals had issues getting pressure on the quarterback last season, putting pressure on the secondary to cover receivers. Cincinnati ranked No. 24 in the league (2.1 per game) in sacks and was No. 25 in points allowed (25.5) per contest.
Those defensive deficiencies had a lot do to with the Bengals finishing 9-8 and missing the postseason for the second season in a row, even though quarterback Joe Burrow put up MVP-like numbers on offense.
Those struggles are part of the reason why NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah believes the Bengals will go defense at No. 17 in the first round of April's NFL Draft, specifically at cornerback.
Jeremiah predicts Cincinnati will pick Texas Longhorns corner Jahdae Barron.
I’m sure the Bengals would consider a defensive tackle here, but Barron is too good to pass up. Also, there will still be talented DTs available when Cincinnati is on the clock in Round 2.
Barron is an impressive talent at the collegiate level who is expected to transfer well on Sundays. He won the Jim Thorpe award for the nation's top defensive back and is a bonafide playmaker on the field.
At Texas last season, Barron tallied five interceptions and 11 passes defended. Cincinnati could use that kind of production next season.
