03-02-2025, 01:37 PM
Walter Nolen - DT - Ole Miss - 6'4" 296
When the Bengals went on the clock three of my prime targets were on the board in Nolen, Grant, and Tyler Warren. When Pitt offered up the trade I felt absolutely confident that the Bengals could add serious value selections while weakening Pitt later in the draft and still landing one of their coveted prospects. Pitt used the selection to draft WR Matthew Golden and the Bengals ended up landing my #1 priority selection.
Nolen is a day 1 game changer to pair with Kris Jenkins. Impressive strength generated considering his lack of mass. Excellent first step and explosion off of the snap with the ability to shed blockers while keeping himself in place to make a play. Him and Jenkins should make for an impressive young tandem on this Bengals interior and this selection him nearly perfectly in this simulation.
Donovan Jackson - OG - The Ohio State - 6'4" 315
Some feared that Jackson might hurt his draft stock by moving out of his natural position however the move and his impressive performance at LT only increased his draft value. To have Jackson on the board at 49 for the Bengals is a windfall and solidifies the LG guard position for many years to come. Very fluid and physical at the position and while not being a road grader in the run game he does have the finishers attitude.
Mason Taylor - TE - LSU - 6'5" 251
Even if the Bengals return Mike Gesicki the setback on the injury recovery on All leaves the Bengals still needing to improve the TE position. Outside of Warren I believe Taylor is the best TE prospect in the draft. Taylor comes from an outstanding NFL bloodline and appears to bring everything to the table you are looking for in an offensive weapon at the TE position. He will need to continue to improve as an in-line blocker but that is not the role you make this selection for. He is very natural and fluid as a receiver and I believe is only beginning to scratch the surface of his ability. The Bengals add another LSU weapon to Burrow and Chase.
Carson Schwesinger - LB - UCLA - 6'2.5" 242
Carson will benefit from an NFL training program when it it comes to adding functional strength but what he brings in football IQ and coverage ability will have him on the field early. With the rumblings of Germaine Pratt the Bengals need to improve the LB room and Carson could be the guy that pairs up with Wilson and brings the ability to cover backs and TEs that Al Golden will be looking for to improve this defense.
Jacob Parrish - CB - K State - 5'10" 191
Parrish is average height for a CB but brings good length that counters the height. He is super athletic and with very good deep speed. While the Bengals should get Hill back and Ivey should be a season removed from his ACL recovery the Bengals still need to add to this room since it is hard to tell which Taylor-Britt is taking the field. Parrish has the ability to play inside or outside which could prove valuable should the Bengals not be successful in returning Mike Hilton. Parrish should be a really good addition to this room for Al Golden.
Ashton Gillotte - DE - Louisville - 6'3" 264
Gillotte is an extremely versatile DL player that primarily aligns as an edge defender but brings the natural strength and power to line up inside on passing downs. He was an extremely productive player on the Cardinals front and produced 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks in '24. He plays with naturally good pad level and has extremely violent hands. While he may not wow you with pure talent and gifts he makes up for much of it with just pure effort.
Lathan Ransom - S - The Ohio State - 6'0" 206
Ransom is just a heady safety that brings aggressiveness, football IQ, physicality, and natural instincts to the safety position. Is a natural strong safety who have the ability to cover TEs and backs. He brings functional speed to the field and rarely finds himself out of place. Ransom shined when the spotlight was the brightest in the Buckeyes Natty run. I believe Ransom has a long productive career at the NFL level.
Nick Nash - WR - San Jose State - 6'2.5" 203
Nash brings good size and length to the position and plays much faster that his timed 40 speed. He has continued to show improvement each season as a college player and coaching staffs speak of his commitment to being a better player. Has the skillset and size to be a really productive NFL wide receiver.
