Cіncіnnаtі Bengаlѕ Pіtcһed to Add Gаme-Wreckіng Defender Alongѕіde Trey Hendrіckѕon іn 2025 NFL Mock Drаft

After a disappointing season that saw the club miss the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals want to change things around and rebuild and strengthen their team.

The focus this offseason will be bettering their defense, especially after bringing in Al Golden as the new defensive coordinator. 

With the 2025 NFL Draft around the corner, the Bengals could eye a game-changing defender to make an immediate impact.

According to a mock draft by AtoZSports, the Bengals could target Tennessee superstar James Pearce Jr. to address their pressing need for a dominant pass rusher. 

"Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is coming off of a season where he led the league with 17.5 sacks. Outside of Hendrickson, the team didn’t have a single player with more than five sacks," Ryan Robert of AtozSports wrote. "Getting a pass rush threat on the other side of him, especially with the movement skills of Pearce, would be a tremendous addition to the unit."

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Pearce Jr. is a force of nature that can change things around for a Bengals team that needs a change. 

In the 2024 season, Pearce Jr. recorded 7.5 sacks with the Volunteers, proving he has the game-wrecking ability that Cincinnati is looking for.  

His versatility allows him to play in multiple alignments, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. 

Pearce Jr.'s disruptive play style could complement the Bengals' existing defensive lineup and help elevate the team's overall performance.

The addition of Pearce Jr. would not only bolster the Bengals' pass rush but also provide a much-needed spark to their defense.