Round 1-3 of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Cincinnati Bengals have invested in hopeful starters on defense and at guard. Media outlets across the country are weighing in with grades and expert analysis.
Round 1, Pick 17 - EDGEShemar Stewart, Texas A&M
SB Nation (Joseph Acosta) - A
"I'm a massive fan of Shemar Stewart. His production doesn't tell the whole story, a terrifying blend of speed and power. Al Golden loves athletes on the edge, and Stewart is the best athlete in this class."
Sporting News (Vinnie Iver) - A-
"This is a great pick for Al Golden given Stewart's explosive upside for the scheme."
NFL.com (Chad Reuter) - B
"His get-off and straight-line speed are excellent, and he's very strong against the run."
USA Today Sports (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz) - B
"Stewart can certainly do that [bring pressure], and the 6-5, 267-pounder certainly fits the bill of what the organization looks for at defensive end with his imposing build and athleticism."
Athlon Sports (Luke Easterling) - B
"This one always made too much sense. The Bengals have a type when it comes to drafting edge rushers, and Stewart checks every box. He's got a big frame with length, and rare athleticism and physical tools for his size."
Clutch Points (Tim Crean) - B-
"In Shemar Stewart, the team gets a 6-foot-5, 267-pound pass-rusher who is built out of granite. The traits and athleticism are off the charts..."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Ayrton Ostly) - B-
"[The Bengals] take one of the most elite athletes seen at the position in years. Stewart is all about traits with great size, length, speed and explosiveness."
Round 2, Pick 49 - LBDemetrius Knight JR., South Carolina
The Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) - A
"The Bengals score another fine pick for Golden after getting Stewart for the front-seven pass rush. Knight, no pun intended, is a moveable chess piece who will flat-out make a lot of plays to help Logan Wilson."
NY Times (Scott Dochterman) - B
"Last year, Knight (6-1 , 235) moved to South Carolina, where he had 82 tackles, including eight for loss, and three forced fumbles. Knight brings toughness to a defense that needs it."
CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso) - B+
"Knight's game is NFL-ready. Length, stellar range, awesome tackler."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Nick Brinkerhoff and Ayrton Ostly) - B-
"...a tenacious run defender with great burst...provides a key piece on early downs for the Bengals' defense."
SB Nation (Joseph Acosta) - B-
"He's fast running downhill and is a missile as a spy and blitzer."
Round 3, Pick 81 - GDylan Fairchild, Georgia
NY Times (Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman) - B
"A weight-room warrior (440-pound bench press, 570-pound squat) and former high school wrestler, Fairchild has competitiveness that comes out on nearly every snap."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Nick Brinkerhoff and Ayrton Ostly) - B
"Fairchild is one of the better interior offensive linemen in the class and has the power and aggression to stick in the interior..."
Clutch Points (Tim Crean) - B
"Dylan Fairchild was an excellent high school wrestler who uses that skill to be a good interior pass blocker."
