The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bolster their pass-rushing unit, particularly in light of potential changes to their defensive lineup. Trey Hendrickson's future with the team remains uncertain, and while Joseph Ossai's re-signing offers some depth, the need for additional talent is clear. In his latest mock draft, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects that the Bengals will select Mike Green from Marshall with the 17th overall pick.

Green, who led the nation with 17 sacks last season and clocked a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash, possesses the speed and production necessary to complement Hendrickson effectively. If the Bengals can retain Hendrickson, Green’s arrival could significantly boost their pass rush as they adapt to new defensive coordinator Al Golden's strategies.

The Cincinnati Bengals are retaining young defensive end Joseph Ossai, who played all 17 games last season, including three starts. His performance included five sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. At only 24 years old, Ossai's one-year, $7 million contract provides the Bengals with a cost-effective option on the defensive line, especially after the retirement of Sam Hubbard and the potential trade of star DE Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last year. This signing signals the Bengals' commitment to maintaining a strong defensive unit as they navigate the upcoming season.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a critical offseason with 21 players set to become free agents. Key decisions loom as the franchise navigates significant changes in the coaching staff, including the recent firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and others. The uncertainty revolves around several notable players, including wide receiver Tee Higgins, who remains a focal point for quarterback Joe Burrow, while defensive tackle B.J. Hill finds himself up against the clock due to emerging talent.

As contract negotiations approach, players like Mike Hilton and Trent Brown face different levels of desirability for return, complicating the Bengals' plans. The coaching changes could sway some players' decisions, making the Bengals' player retention strategy even more paramount as they aim for a successful 2025 season.

The Las Vegas Raiders are in a challenging position regarding their pass rush, despite having standout Maxx Crosby on their roster. Currently, the team ranks low in the NFL for sacks, a situation exacerbated by the injury of Malcolm Koonce before the 2024 season commenced. This injury has highlighted the lack of depth in the Raiders' edge-rushing department. As Koonce is expected to enter free agency, the Raiders find themselves with a significant amount of cap space that could allow them to address this deficiency.

Among potential targets for Las Vegas are several under-the-radar pass rushers who could significantly bolster their defensive line. Azeez Ojulari from the New York Giants is a prime candidate. Although injuries have hampered his performance in recent seasons, Ojulari had shown promise with 28 tackles and six sacks before being placed on injured reserve this year. His previous seasons indicate he could be a valuable asset if he can remain healthy.

Another option is Joseph Ossai of the Cincinnati Bengals. While Trey Hendrickson garners most of the attention on the Bengals' defensive line, Ossai has quietly made a name for himself with 42 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. At just 24 years old, he has room to grow and could complement Crosby well, especially if Koonce is retained.

Lastly, Dayo Odeyingbo from the Indianapolis Colts presents a compelling case as a sleeper pick. He has demonstrated solid performance with 28 tackles and three sacks this season, along with a notable number of quarterback hits. At 25, he still has potential to develop further and could be a strong addition to the Raiders' defensive line.

In Week 16, several players made significant impacts, including Kenny Moore with two interceptions and Taron Johnson and Marlon Humphrey both scoring pick-sixes. As Week 17 approaches, a list of waiver wire adds is presented, featuring 13 defensive players who could bolster fantasy teams for championship games.

Highlighted players include Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets, Darius Muasau from the New York Giants, and Dee Winters of the San Francisco 49ers. The article also discusses potential streaming options for defensive linemen and backs, emphasizing matchups against the sack-prone Cleveland Browns.