The Cincinnati Bengals still sit as one of the more unpredictable names in the 2025 NFL draft ahead of the scouting combine.
Without major resolutions to question marks such as the futures of Trey Hendrickson and Tee Higgins, those positions remain possibilities alongside other obvious needs such as offensive line.
In his second effort of the season, though, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. dials in on that defense and pass-rush, giving the Bengals Georgia’s Mykel Williams at No. 17:
There might not be a player with more to prove this week at the combine than Williams. He was considered a candidate to go in the top five — and even potentially No. 1 — when we first started building draft boards for this class back in August. But an ankle injury slowed him in 2024, resulting in just five sacks over 12 games. The traits are there, though. With a good week in Indy, the Bengals probably won’t be high enough on the board to get him. Turn on the tape, and you see outstanding speed-to-power.
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While it’s hard to imagine the Bengals fumble a talent like Hendrickson, nuke the relationship and trade him away, the team needs to round out its pass-rush regardless.
There’s hope that former first-rounder Myles Murphy can emerge under the guidance of new coordinator Al Golden. But tacking on another huge-upside prospect like Williams would be a big win for the rotation, especially if he can line up all over the formation.
As hinted, though, the Bengals have to hope Williams’ stock keeps hovering in the same range. Like Amarius Mims last year, he’d be a stunning value at No. 17.