The Cincinnati Bengals are eyeing Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, a choice that may stir debate among fans.

While many agree the Bengals must prioritize bolstering Joe Burrow's offensive line, selecting a guard in the first round is a rarity for the team. Jackson stands out as a top prospect, essential for maintaining the Bengals' offensive dynamism.

Yet, past experiences with first-round Ohio State linemen have created skepticism among fans. Despite retaining Cody Ford and acquiring Lucas Patrick, both guard positions remain areas of concern. The Bengals' approach to the draft reflects a shift in their strategy, possibly indicating they are serious about making substantial improvements in this crucial aspect of their game.

The Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, have emerged as a desirable destination for free agents looking to compete. Veteran safety Justin Simmons recently expressed his interest in joining the Bengals, highlighting their consistent competitiveness alongside other top teams like Buffalo and Philadelphia. Although the Bengals have remained quiet this offseason, their potential interest in adding a safety, particularly through the upcoming NFL draft, indicates they are not ruling out strengthening their roster.

Despite the current plan to utilize Jordan Battle and Geno Stone at safety, the Bengals are exploring options to enhance their defense. If they fail to land a premier safety in the draft, there may be a chance for a reunion with Simmons, especially as teams look to bolster their rosters post-draft. This move could provide depth and competition, ensuring the Bengals remain a top contender in the league.

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently positioned at No. 10 in the latest NFL power rankings, underscoring their polarizing presence ahead of the upcoming draft. This ranking follows a relatively quiet free agency period, as the Bengals opted to focus on securing long-term contracts for star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While these moves highlight the team's strong offensive firepower led by Joe Burrow, concerns remain regarding the defense's effectiveness, which could hinder their success despite the offensive talent.

Entering the draft, the Bengals have significant gaps to fill, particularly on the offensive line and defense. The team's strategy has involved re-signing key players like B.J. Hill and bringing in impactful role players, such as nose tackle T.J. Slaton. General Manager Duke Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor seem to believe that a few strategic additions and coaching changes could propel the team back into playoff contention after narrowly missing out last season.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals seem poised to make some strategic moves to enhance their roster. With discussions highlighting the offensive line as a critical focus, insiders like ESPN's Field Yates propose several ideal picks. Among these are Grey Zabel, a guard from North Dakota State, and various defensive players such as corners Azareye'h Thomas and Quincy Riley. This emphasis on bolstering the offensive front for quarterback Joe Burrow, while also addressing defensive needs, aligns with fan expectations for strong draft outcomes.

While Zabel's selection could stabilize the guard position, the need for pass-rushing depth behind Trey Hendrickson remains a concern. Additionally, younger cornerbacks like Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill are expected to step up in their roles. The Bengals' draft decisions will be closely scrutinized to see how they balance immediate needs with long-term potential.