James Rapien posted a video this morning defining players he think Bengals could target for defense in Rd 1.

Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss - Bengals bringing him in for a visit, so maybe DT isn't off the table.

Jihaad Campbell - LB Alabama - Elite and would really elevate the LB unit. Not only off-ball LB but also as a pass rusher.

Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon - Another pass rushing DT Rapien likes other than Nolen.

Nick Emmanwori, SAF South Carolina - Rapien loves NE. He thinks his young age, great size, elite athleticism, and versatility should allow for Bengals to easily find a good role for him, even if it's not as deep safety 100% of the time. Bengals bringing him in for a pre-draft visit as well.

Malaki Starks, SAF Georgia - Deep, athletic safety, but maybe not in the mix over Emmanwori.

Jahdae Barron, CB Texas or Will Johnson, CB Michigan - Not expecting CB but these two guys could be great if they do.

Note - Rapien is thinking Bengals are not looking at DE in Rd 1 and will likely more look at on Day 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB1-hzy2Oo

I get the Emmanwori love and Like I said in another thread I'm not gonna be major league mad if we take him @ 17, butt....

I still strongly feel we need Dline help the worst of all. Let's just pretend for this argument we actually get Trey back at RDE, but what do we have besides him?

Sure, Murphy was a 1st round pick but he's leaning hard towards bad pick if not full blown bust! Ossai is not gonna be more than a 10-15 snap a game rotational type. Cam Sample has flashed a couple times but he's gonna be a 5th year player with little to nothing besides hope. The rest of the DE's ummm....

Now DT's we have a solid B.J. Hill and two hopeful 2nd year players. They did next to nothing until the last 5 games of the season against bad teams. I'm not willing to put all my eggs in the basket of "they'll be better this year".

In my mind two of our top 3 picks need to be Dline! We could have the best DB room in the NFL and still suffer if opposing QB's have 6-8 seconds to throw the ball.

Rant off

(04-07-2025, 03:39 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: I get the Emmanwori love and Like I said in another thread I'm not gonna be major league mad if we take him @ 17, butt....

I still strongly feel we need Dline help the worst of all. Let's just pretend for this argument we actually get Trey back at RDE, but what do we have besides him?

Sure, Murphy was a 1st round pick but he's leaning hard towards bad pick if not full blown bust! Ossai is not gonna be more than a 10-15 snap a game rotational type. Cam Sample has flashed a couple times but he's gonna be a 5th year player with little to nothing besides hope. The rest of the DE's ummm....

Now DT's we have a solid B.J. Hill and two hopeful 2nd year players. They did next to nothing until the last 5 games of the season against bad teams. I'm not willing to put all my eggs in the basket of "they'll be better this year".

In my mind two of our top 3 picks need to be Dline! We could have the best DB room in the NFL and still suffer if opposing QB's have 6-8 seconds to throw the ball.

Rant off

While I get where you're coming from, I will say there are a few good safety prospects in this draft class but it seems to fall off a cliff after, whereas with DL there's much more talent in Rds 3-5, so I'm ok waiting.

I'm also ok potentially just either getting a depth safety late this year or holding off completely this year and seeing how Stone and Battle fare.
I don't see safety as an urgent need that they can't get someone early next year once Stone (likely) departs.

Bengals talked to Nolen at the combine, and now he gets a private visit. That's a strong sign of their interest.

I continue to like Jihad Campbell but his injury is a bummer. He might have an 8 month recovery...ouch.

(04-07-2025, 04:12 PM)Goalpost Wrote: Bengals talked to Nolen at the combine, and now he gets a private visit.  That's a strong sign of their interest.

I continue to like Jihad Campbell but his injury is a bummer.  He might have an 8 month recovery...ouch.

I like him, but no way I take someone in round 1 that will be out a minimum of 6 to 8 months from end of March.

He may not be ready to play. game (no camp) until October (earliest) to December.

We have too many needs to take a guy and hope he is healthy enough to play in 2025. 

I am old and had the surgery 2 years ago. It took me a year to get full movement. 

I like ALOT of guys in this draft at 17


No way in hell we aren’t considering DE at 17. If we are pigeon holing ourselves into DT we are just a dumbass franchise. Too many solid DEs that won’t be there day 2 to pass on a great one just cause we just need to reach for a DT.

(04-07-2025, 08:54 PM)Housh Wrote: I like ALOT of guys in this draft at 17


No way in hell we aren’t considering DE at 17. If we are pigeon holing ourselves into DT we are just a dumbass franchise. Too many solid DEs that won’t be there day 2 to pass on a great one just cause we just need to reach for a DT.

I don't think that they're "pigeon holing" themselves into any particular position. The list of prospects that they've spoken to and later met with covers a variety of positions.

Edit: I will say this though. If Walter Nolan is the pick, I wouldn't complain one bit. Even though I personally have Emmanwori tabbed as the best guy to instantly improve the defense. As far as DE goes? After Abdul Carter, there are a whole bunch of similar prospects, and every one of them has some kind of warts. However, the overall class being deep like it is, someone good will fall to the 3rd round. The Bengals have enough at DE to make it this year, other positions not so much.

(04-07-2025, 04:12 PM)Goalpost Wrote: Bengals talked to Nolen at the combine, and now he gets a private visit.  That's a strong sign of their interest.

I continue to like Jihad Campbell but his injury is a bummer.  He might have an 8 month recovery...ouch.

There's talk that some teams have taken Nolen off their boards. It seems the Bengals are not one. 

He's arguably the most talented player in the draft but is his head and heart in it? 

(04-07-2025, 08:54 PM)Housh Wrote: I like ALOT of guys in this draft at 17


No way in hell we aren’t considering DE at 17. If we are pigeon holing ourselves into DT we are just a dumbass franchise. Too many solid DEs that won’t be there day 2 to pass on a great one just cause we just need to reach for a DT.

I'm thinking the lack of interest in DE (at least by Rapien) is that there doesn't seem to be a guy projected around 17 that doesn't have some type of concern.
Pearce and Green have off-field character concerns.
Stewart is a gamble for what he produced (or didn't produce) on the field despite his athleticism and size.
So with the depth at DE and the above concerns for guys projected in Rd 1, I can understand the logic.

The first round is not a time for prioritizing position. With the exception of QB and WR, take the best football player on the board in the first round. PFF rated all teams on their first round draft choices since 2020. And the Bengals came out...Number One. How do you keep that going? Just get a guy who can play at 17 and fill in positions of need later.

(04-07-2025, 09:11 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I don't think that they're "pigeon holing" themselves into any particular position. The list of prospects that they've spoken to and later met with covers a variety of positions.

Edit: I will say this though. If Walter Nolan is the pick, I wouldn't complain one bit. Even though I personally have Emmanwori tabbed as the best guy to instantly improve the defense. As far as DE goes? After Abdul Carter, there are a whole bunch of similar prospects, and every one of them has some kind of warts. However, the overall class being deep like it is, someone good will fall to the 3rd round. The Bengals have enough at DE to make it this year, other positions not so much.

Yeah, based on interviews, the Bengals seem to be looking BPA at 17.  They've talked to just about every player with a true 1st round grade that might fall to 17.  

I get that they are looking hard at Nolen, but that can very well be because they have a 1st round grade on him based on film, but are trying to understand his character issues.  If I remember right, Walker is the only other DT of note they've shown interest in.

Personally, I don't see a huge gap between the edge rushers predicted to go Round 1, sans Carter, and the Day 2 guys.

(04-07-2025, 02:20 PM)ochocincos Wrote: James Rapien posted a video this morning defining players he think Bengals could target for defense in Rd 1.

Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss - Bengals bringing him in for a visit, so maybe DT isn't off the table.

Jihaad Campbell - LB Alabama - Elite and would really elevate the LB unit. Not only off-ball LB but also as a pass rusher.

Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon - Another pass rushing DT Rapien likes other than Nolen.

Nick Emmanwori, SAF South Carolina - Rapien loves NE. He thinks his young age, great size, elite athleticism, and versatility should allow for Bengals to easily find a good role for him, even if it's not as deep safety 100% of the time. Bengals bringing him in for a pre-draft visit as well.

Malaki Starks, SAF Georgia - Deep, athletic safety, but maybe not in the mix over Emmanwori.

Jahdae Barron, CB Texas or Will Johnson, CB Michigan - Not expecting CB but these two guys could be great if they do.

Note - Rapien is thinking Bengals are not looking at DE in Rd 1 and will likely more look at on Day 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB1-hzy2Oo

And this morning Rapien speculates that Bengals could take an edge rusher at 17 and trade Trey.  Says that Bengals at 17 are the key pick that could start a run on edge rushers.

Bottom line, nobody knows what the hell anyone is doing.  Man, I love April.

(04-08-2025, 11:15 AM)Whatever Wrote: Yeah, based on interviews, the Bengals seem to be looking BPA at 17.  They've talked to just about every player with a true 1st round grade that might fall to 17.  

I get that they are looking hard at Nolen, but that can very well be because they have a 1st round grade on him based on film, but are trying to understand his character issues.  If I remember right, Walker is the only other DT of note they've shown interest in.

Personally, I don't see a huge gap between the edge rushers predicted to go Round 1, sans Carter, and the Day 2 guys.

They are bringing in James Pearce Jr this week too so it could be for more indepth interviews as you say.

(04-08-2025, 11:19 AM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: And this morning Rapien speculates that Bengals could take an edge rusher at 17 and trade Trey.  Says that Bengals at 17 are the key pick that could start a run on edge rushers.

Bottom line, nobody knows what the hell anyone is doing.  Man, I love April.

Rapien is quoting Tony Pauline from PFN and it's a strong possibility.


The top 100 is deep in edge but it kinda falls off after that so teams are going to go after specifically the pass rushers and anyone with the pass rush potential quickly. 

Safety is another one I expect to dry up quickly. I'm guessing as soon as Xavier Watts is picked Kevin Winston and Andrew Mukuba will come off the board within the next 15 to 20 picks.

(04-08-2025, 11:49 AM)Synric Wrote: They are bringing in James Pearce Jr this week too so it could be for more indepth interviews as you say.

They did the same with Burton last year.  Sadly, they seem to have misread that situation.

(04-07-2025, 04:12 PM)Goalpost Wrote: Bengals talked to Nolen at the combine, and now he gets a private visit.  That's a strong sign of their interest.

I continue to like Jihad Campbell but his injury is a bummer.  He might have an 8 month recovery...ouch.

I'm hoping it's Nolen because dude will destroy opposing offenses and open up things for the rest of the defense by occupying blockers, which leaves ends single blocked, getting pressure on the quarterback, which makes the defensive backfield's lives easier, and then stopping the run, which makes the linebackers' and entire defense's lives easier.

I'm loving that we're showing interest and hopefully we pull the trigger before a team like the Steelers can!

(04-07-2025, 09:11 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I don't think that they're "pigeon holing" themselves into any particular position. The list of prospects that they've spoken to and later met with covers a variety of positions.

Edit: I will say this though. If Walter Nolan is the pick, I wouldn't complain one bit. Even though I personally have Emmanwori tabbed as the best guy to instantly improve the defense. As far as DE goes? After Abdul Carter, there are a whole bunch of similar prospects, and every one of them has some kind of warts. However, the overall class being deep like it is, someone good will fall to the 3rd round. The Bengals have enough at DE to make it this year, other positions not so much.

Like I keep saying, Nolen will make the DBs' lives easier and Emmanwori is the best in a weak group, so I think we'd be wasting the opportunity to get a difference maker by taking him just because he's the best in a bad group.

I have already conditioned myself for the Bengals to take Shemar Stewart because of his combine stats, this is Jon Ross all over again for me!

(04-08-2025, 02:30 PM)Tomcat Wrote: I have already conditioned myself for the Bengals to take Shemar Stewart because of his combine stats, this is Jon Ross all over again for me!

I think we're done drafting on emotion because that was a Mike Brown-style move and he's out of the picture now. 

(04-07-2025, 02:20 PM)ochocincos Wrote: James Rapien posted a video this morning defining players he think Bengals could target for defense in Rd 1.

Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss - Bengals bringing him in for a visit, so maybe DT isn't off the table.

Jihaad Campbell - LB Alabama - Elite and would really elevate the LB unit. Not only off-ball LB but also as a pass rusher.

Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon - Another pass rushing DT Rapien likes other than Nolen.

Nick Emmanwori, SAF South Carolina - Rapien loves NE. He thinks his young age, great size, elite athleticism, and versatility should allow for Bengals to easily find a good role for him, even if it's not as deep safety 100% of the time. Bengals bringing him in for a pre-draft visit as well.

Malaki Starks, SAF Georgia - Deep, athletic safety, but maybe not in the mix over Emmanwori.

Jahdae Barron, CB Texas or Will Johnson, CB Michigan - Not expecting CB but these two guys could be great if they do.

Note - Rapien is thinking Bengals are not looking at DE in Rd 1 and will likely more look at on Day 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB1-hzy2Oo

Nice thread and vid Ochocincos. Playmakers on Defense is where I agree most adamantly here. Nolen, Jihad, Harmon, Emmanwori, Starks 
all fit the bill. I give the edge to Emmanwori though as we met with him and he would most likely play the most as a rookie which is what 
you want in a first round pick. Immediate upgrade playmaker is Emmanwori. Nolen or Harmon would be backup 3-techs to help with the 
pass rush, Jihad is coming off injury and we didn't meet with him as far as I know. Starks fits FS which is a monster need for us etc.

(04-08-2025, 02:30 PM)Tomcat Wrote: I have already conditioned myself for the Bengals to take Shemar Stewart because of his combine stats, this is Jon Ross all over again for me!

Eh, I think if anything the John Ross pick makes us shy away from a player like Stewart...

(04-08-2025, 03:21 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: I think we're done drafting on emotion because that was a Mike Brown-style move and he's out of the picture now. 

Agree. Develop Myles Murphy, the End we took in the 1st a couple years ago who actually had more production in college than Stewart.