5 DE Bengals could target early in 2025 NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals need help at defensive end in the 2025 NFL draft, especially when it comes to early-round prospects who can help rush the passer.

The Bengals, after all, lost Sam Hubbard to retirement, have Trey Hendrickson threatening a contract holdout and little to show from former first-round pick Myles Murphy so far.

Here are a few of the top pass-rushing prospects the Bengals could target early in the draft after removing unattainable names like Penn State star Abdul Carter.

Mike Green, Marshall

Green might project more to a traditional 3-4 front, but the Bengals might not care as they keep going with amobea looks anyway. They are sure to love the fact he’s got just two years of starting experience and massive upside built around elite traits.

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Pearce’s traits alone suggest All-Pro upside. The fact he put up 21 sacks over the last two years at a major program is something the Bengals are sure to love. He should be there for the Bengals in the first round.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

Ezeiruaku is a little smaller (6’2″) than the Bengals might want, but he’s pretty hard to ignore after a 14-sack season. But a productive senior like this is sure to fit somewhere on Cincinnati’s draft board over the first two rounds.

Mykel Williams, Georgia

Coming from Georgia at 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Williams sure feels like he checks a lot of Bengals boxes. He’s got elite run-defender written all over him in addition to some interesting pass-rushing upside, especially if he’s on the same line as the likes of Hendrickson.

Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

Stewart is a massive 6’6″ and 290 pounds with scheme versatility. The pre-draft process has been hampered by his lack of production, but he’d be quite the piece to have developing alongside the likes of Murphy, Kris Jenkins Jr. and others into the future.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 5 DE Bengals could target early in 2025 NFL draft

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