Goodberry's 2025 NFL Draft Sheet

[Cincyfan78]

At this point, I'm going with Tate Ratledge if he's there. Why fuck around with projections of tackles going to guard or guys with limited experience? We need a starter. Ratledge might not have position versatility or the upside of some prospects, but he's played a lot of football at a big-time program and would be ready to start on day 1. And he'd probably be better than anything we've had at guard the last 2 seasons.

Only reason I lean Jonah from Arizona is that he was a Freshman All-American at Guard before being moved to OT. So, he's got some experience there - and it was high level output as a Freshman. His ability to swing out to OT is just an added bonus, but not one that worries me.
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That being said - either of those guys, I would be thrilled with. FWIW, though, most IOL guys in the NFL played OT at one time, or another and end up being moved. It's pretty rare to have a straight IOL guy (Centers not included, though many do play Guard) for 3-4 years with no positional movement.

 

[Cincyfan78]

From Joe:

Shemar Stewart 37 games, 30 solo tackles, 12 TFLs, 4.5 sacks

How that stacks up:

Trey Hendrickson 40 games, 71 solo tackles, 42 TFLs, 29.5 sacks

Sam Hubbard40 games, 64 solo tackles, 30 TFLs, 17 sacks

Carlos Dunlap39 games, 56 solo tackles, 27 TFLs, 19.5 sacks

Michael Johnson50 games, 70 solo tackles, 31 TFLs, 19 sacks

Joseph Ossai36 games, 101 solo tackles, 64 TFLs, 11 sacks

Myles Murphy 38 games, 61 solo tackles, 37 TFLs, 17.5 sacks

Cam Sample46 games, 91 solo tackles, 22 TFLs, 10.5 sacks

 

[DanBengalfan]

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[cincygrad]

Barret Carter in the 4th.... Another pedigree pick. Guy was a 5 star recruit, similar to Stewart coming into college. Good career but probably not he prospect folks thought he would be. Overall, I can't argue with the strategy. If you turn on the loss against Pittsburgh or the game against Washington, you can see how much our slow linebackers make it too easy on the offense.

I think the overall theme remains the same.... This draft would be fine if we had acted in FA. If we would have signed one quality starting guard and one quality defensive linemen, all of these picks would make sense. But it's pretty clear that we weren't going to be able to solve roster holes from a draft where we had 6 picks and not a lot of teams willing to trade down. So now they'll be left patching the thing together with some random parts that are still available.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I don't know. I am pretty damn disappointed in our draft.

 

[cincygrad]

I don't know. I am pretty damn disappointed in our draft.

I'm coming around to it. I've been here plenty of times when the consensus has been that we had a great draft and things just don't work out. I think the biggest question mark is the first pick - But he isn't a character risk, his lack of production isn't from a lack of effort, and I do think he has a ton of upside. The linebacker room needed to be rebuilt and I think we're there. The two offensive linemen seem to have some promise.

Overall, they took a lot of picks that are safe from a character standpoint - And they got some guys that will play next year.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I'm coming around to it. I've been here plenty of times when the consensus has been that we had a great draft and things just don't work out. I think the biggest question mark is the first pick - But he isn't a character risk, his lack of production isn't from a lack of effort, and I do think he has a ton of upside. The linebacker room needed to be rebuilt and I think we're there. The two offensive linemen seem to have some promise.

Overall, they took a lot of picks that are safe from a character standpoint - And they got some guys that will play next year.

Guards are probably backups until they wash it in a couple years. That is our luck. Would have been much happier with Ratledge at 2.

 

[cincygrad]

Guards are probably backups until they wash it in a couple years. That is our luck. Would have been much happier with Ratledge at 2.

I would be surprised if Fairchild isn't the starting guard. They started a fourth rounder, Volson, as a rookie and he didn't have near the big-time experience that Fairchild has given the differences in college competition. I'm holding out hope that they will sign one of the available veterans to play right guard and then let Fairchild try to take over at left guard. If he is not ready, they'll plug in Cody Ford or the guy they picked up in FA. I think they might have enough depth to cut Volson.

 

[DanBengalfan]

OL is a tough place to be, injuries happen. Fairchild will have to play eventually. they'll figure out of Rivers is good enough to play as well.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I would be surprised if Fairchild isn't the starting guard. They started a fourth rounder, Volson, as a rookie and he didn't have near the big-time experience that Fairchild has given the differences in college competition. I'm holding out hope that they will sign one of the available veterans to play right guard and then let Fairchild try to take over at left guard. If he is not ready, they'll plug in Cody Ford or the guy they picked up in FA. I think they might have enough depth to cut Volson.

That is false hope, but I understand. After signing two guards in the draft and the guy from NO. I don't see them bringing anyone else in.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Overall thoughts/grade: C

Stewart pick I do not like. Maybe he comes around, I hope he does. Freak athlete. 10/10 in RAS #1 all time for DE's. I do like that Golden's defenses typically evolve each year to fit what guys so, unlike Lou's rigid style Maybe that works in Stewarts' favor. However, on a defense that lacked production, drafting a guy who didn't produce is a bold strategy - and major risk. If they wanted DE, they likely should have gone Pearce Jr. If they wanted to take a bigger Swing - go with Green (and his character issues). I wanted Harmon once Nolen was gone.

LB - I actually like this pick. Yes, he's older. His ceiling is likely limited due to his age. However, he is exactly the OPPOSITE of Stewart. Tons of production. I think, at worst, his floor is a rotational LB - and his ceiling is LB2. On a defense that needed guys that can just go get it done, I think this guy can go get it done. So, while I understand he might have been around in round 3 - the dropoff at LB was much steeper than IOL - and I can see why the Bengals wanted to make this move. Could have traded down? Maybe, if someone wanted to trade up - we don't know.

IOL - Another guy I actually like. Go back and watch the film on Ratledge, and you see this guy. One of the best pass pro IOL in all of college. Just 1% pressure/sack rate. Not the athlete Tate is, but a guy that can immediately push for that starting LG spot. The best of IOL guys are usually round 1-2-3 guys...and I don't feel that this one was a reach. I think he was slotted well - and again, the pick in round 2 makes more sense when you feel like the drop from the next tier in LB was much steeper than at IOL.

LB - Another pick I'm good with. Here is where you can start to take a bit of a swing on projection. Barrett has upside as a potential lower tier LB1 with his skill set - and I like Golden's history with LB's. At worst, he becomes a really good ST and likely LB3 rotational guy.

OT/IOL - Good depth. I believe played with Lee, who we all think has some potential. Swing OT/IOL potential, which is good because Ford currently holds that spot and isn't getting any better/younger at this point.

RB - 6th round RB - good athletic traits, could be a good pair match with Brown...but in rounds 5-7 you are looking to fill more ST roles and depth - and I think this kid is a good fit. Against Cincinnati ran for a ton of yards, and on carries 28, 29, 30 (Or something like that) in the game, went for 10+ each time. Did not tire out.

 

[DanBengalfan]

Overall thoughts/grade: C

Stewart pick I do not like. Maybe he comes around, I hope he does. Freak athlete. 10/10 in RAS #1 all time for DE's. I do like that Golden's defenses typically evolve each year to fit what guys so, unlike Lou's rigid style Maybe that works in Stewarts' favor. However, on a defense that lacked production, drafting a guy who didn't produce is a bold strategy - and major risk. If they wanted DE, they likely should have gone Pearce Jr. If they wanted to take a bigger Swing - go with Green (and his character issues). I wanted Harmon once Nolen was gone.

LB - I actually like this pick. Yes, he's older. His ceiling is likely limited due to his age. However, he is exactly the OPPOSITE of Stewart. Tons of production. I think, at worst, his floor is a rotational LB - and his ceiling is LB2. On a defense that needed guys that can just go get it done, I think this guy can go get it done. So, while I understand he might have been around in round 3 - the dropoff at LB was much steeper than IOL - and I can see why the Bengals wanted to make this move. Could have traded down? Maybe, if someone wanted to trade up - we don't know.

IOL - Another guy I actually like. Go back and watch the film on Ratledge, and you see this guy. One of the best pass pro IOL in all of college. Just 1% pressure/sack rate. Not the athlete Tate is, but a guy that can immediately push for that starting LG spot. The best of IOL guys are usually round 1-2-3 guys...and I don't feel that this one was a reach. I think he was slotted well - and again, the pick in round 2 makes more sense when you feel like the drop from the next tier in LB was much steeper than at IOL.

LB - Another pick I'm good with. Here is where you can start to take a bit of a swing on projection. Barrett has upside as a potential lower tier LB1 with his skill set - and I like Golden's history with LB's. At worst, he becomes a really good ST and likely LB3 rotational guy.

OT/IOL - Good depth. I believe played with Lee, who we all think has some potential. Swing OT/IOL potential, which is good because Ford currently holds that spot and isn't getting any better/younger at this point.

RB - 6th round RB - good athletic traits, could be a good pair match with Brown...but in rounds 5-7 you are looking to fill more ST roles and depth - and I think this kid is a good fit. Against Cincinnati ran for a ton of yards, and on carries 28, 29, 30 (Or something like that) in the game, went for 10+ each time. Did not tire out.

Stewart is a project. our problem is, we didn't want to spend free agent money to hire Trey's heir. so eventually this guy may take over for Trey, but for the time being, we may see him rotating in an out like a backup until he learns how to play. we put ourselves in this position of needing a starter, backed ourselves into a corner and decided. "we're fine, everything is fine."

Knight Jr. - seems like he's motivated, a good guy, and will probably be a fan favorite for year to come. if I buy a jersey, this might be it.

the lineman - yea, we need those guys. they might not start right away, but they will play, so the opportunity is there for them to take over. we had problems here and we addressed it.

Brooks - RB. yea, I mean, if two of our current RBs goes down he's the new Treveon. he'll play special teams. he's ok.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Stewart is a project. our problem is, we didn't want to spend free agent money to hire Trey's heir. so eventually this guy may take over for Trey, but for the time being, we may see him rotating in an out like a backup until he learns how to play. we put ourselves in this position of needing a starter, backed ourselves into a corner and decided. "we're fine, everything is fine."

Knight Jr. - seems like he's motivated, a good guy, and will probably be a fan favorite for year to come. if I buy a jersey, this might be it.

the lineman - yea, we need those guys. they might not start right away, but they will play, so the opportunity is there for them to take over. we had problems here and we addressed it.

Brooks - RB. yea, I mean, if two of our current RBs goes down he's the new Treveon. he'll play special teams. he's ok.

FWIW - they see Stewart as a Hubbard replacement. Not Trey. My guess is, they will see what Ossai/Murphy bring this year. If one of them can break out a bit, they will re-sign them and let Trey walk. Or, they will sign/draft a top tier DE next year.

 

[cincygrad]

Overall thoughts/grade: C

Stewart pick I do not like. Maybe he comes around, I hope he does. Freak athlete. 10/10 in RAS #1 all time for DE's. I do like that Golden's defenses typically evolve each year to fit what guys so, unlike Lou's rigid style Maybe that works in Stewarts' favor. However, on a defense that lacked production, drafting a guy who didn't produce is a bold strategy - and major risk. If they wanted DE, they likely should have gone Pearce Jr. If they wanted to take a bigger Swing - go with Green (and his character issues). I wanted Harmon once Nolen was gone.

LB - I actually like this pick. Yes, he's older. His ceiling is likely limited due to his age. However, he is exactly the OPPOSITE of Stewart. Tons of production. I think, at worst, his floor is a rotational LB - and his ceiling is LB2. On a defense that needed guys that can just go get it done, I think this guy can go get it done. So, while I understand he might have been around in round 3 - the dropoff at LB was much steeper than IOL - and I can see why the Bengals wanted to make this move. Could have traded down? Maybe, if someone wanted to trade up - we don't know.

IOL - Another guy I actually like. Go back and watch the film on Ratledge, and you see this guy. One of the best pass pro IOL in all of college. Just 1% pressure/sack rate. Not the athlete Tate is, but a guy that can immediately push for that starting LG spot. The best of IOL guys are usually round 1-2-3 guys...and I don't feel that this one was a reach. I think he was slotted well - and again, the pick in round 2 makes more sense when you feel like the drop from the next tier in LB was much steeper than at IOL.

LB - Another pick I'm good with. Here is where you can start to take a bit of a swing on projection. Barrett has upside as a potential lower tier LB1 with his skill set - and I like Golden's history with LB's. At worst, he becomes a really good ST and likely LB3 rotational guy.

OT/IOL - Good depth. I believe played with Lee, who we all think has some potential. Swing OT/IOL potential, which is good because Ford currently holds that spot and isn't getting any better/younger at this point.

RB - 6th round RB - good athletic traits, could be a good pair match with Brown...but in rounds 5-7 you are looking to fill more ST roles and depth - and I think this kid is a good fit. Against Cincinnati ran for a ton of yards, and on carries 28, 29, 30 (Or something like that) in the game, went for 10+ each time. Did not tire out.

- I'm intrigued by Stewart. A lot of times when traits don't fit production it is because of a red flag about desire or off the field troubles. I don't get the sense that either applies to Stewart. If anything, it seems that he doesn't have great awareness or instincts on the field but he can and does play violent. I'm curious to see if Golden will move him inside on some obvious passing downs. Having a guy that is good at pushing a pocket could really help keep quarterbacks from stepping up and avoiding our speed rushers on the outside (assuming Ossai and Hendrickson are the outside rushers). And I wouldn't suspect he'd have to think very much in that role. Just push the pocket.

- I'm good with both linebackers. A lot of our fans thought we were fine at the position, but we really are not okay. I'm sure Golden took one look at the film and told the front office that we need a guy in FA and we need guys in the draft. I think a lot of the reason our D looks slow is because of the linebackers and because the lack of athelticism at safety.

- I'm good with the two offensive linemen. I thinkk Fairchild is being expected to start. I think the kid from Miami is good value.

- I hear good things about the running back, but I'm not sure I'm crazy about his profile as a pro. Seems to have the patient running style of a guy like Mixon - Which was a terrible fit in our offense. I'd prefer more of a get downhill quick type of guy. But, I do think the guy was dependable in college and I'm curious to see how he looks in a pro scheme.

 

[Cincyfan78]

- I'm intrigued by Stewart. A lot of times when traits don't fit production it is because of a red flag about desire or off the field troubles. I don't get the sense that either applies to Stewart. If anything, it seems that he doesn't have great awareness or instincts on the field but he can and does play violent. I'm curious to see if Golden will move him inside on some obvious passing downs. Having a guy that is good at pushing a pocket could really help keep quarterbacks from stepping up and avoiding our speed rushers on the outside (assuming Ossai and Hendrickson are the outside rushers). And I wouldn't suspect he'd have to think very much in that role. Just push the pocket.

- I'm good with both linebackers. A lot of our fans thought we were fine at the position, but we really are not okay. I'm sure Golden took one look at the film and told the front office that we need a guy in FA and we need guys in the draft. I think a lot of the reason our D looks slow is because of the linebackers and because the lack of athelticism at safety.

- I'm good with the two offensive linemen. I thinkk Fairchild is being expected to start. I think the kid from Miami is good value.

- I hear good things about the running back, but I'm not sure I'm crazy about his profile as a pro. Seems to have the patient running style of a guy like Mixon - Which was a terrible fit in our offense. I'd prefer more of a get downhill quick type of guy. But, I do think the guy was dependable in college and I'm curious to see how he looks in a pro scheme.

re: LB's - I thought Wilson was good, and he's one of the better coverage MLB in the NFL...Pratt is the guy who suddenly aged 10 years last year. Could not keep up with anyone. TE, RB, and his angles because of his lack of speed and closing was...woof. Can't tell you how many of his tackles came 7-8-9 yards down field, or how many times the RB/TE got open on simple out routes because he simply could not change direction like he's been able to do. Some guys just age quickly - and I fear for Pratt, father time hit him pretty hard early.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Goodberry's rankings put Cincinnati 31st...but, the actual average score puts them 18th, which is what I will focus on. I do agree the value of the picks (where they are drafted vs where they MIGHT have got them) pulls down the draft, BUT I think the drop from a guy like McKnight to the next LB is much greater than the drop for Ratledge to his counterpart in Fairchild. In that case - while it might be a bit of a reach for McKnight - it makes a lot of sense because they were protecting themselves from a massive dropoff in LB - OR - Drafting Barrett and then saying "OK, he's the LB 2" - which would be a risk.

Cincinnati Bengals With only 6 total picks, the Bengals select a single player within our Top 100 scored prospects.Their average Score (70.6) ranked 18th and their Value from the Consensus Board puts them at 25th.They didn't light a single pick on fire this year and that's great!They also attacked positions where they can plug these guys into starting spots and give them every chance to develop.They just aren't the guys I would have drafted and each player has a set of risks in their profile that should have made them available later in the draft.Shemar Stewart is a wrecking ball and a chaos creator. Can he learn to finish? Can they develop him as a complete pass rusher? Can they get him to play with his eyes open? He's gonna play a ton as he figures it out. Demetrius Knight got the highest grade on tape for me and was my LB3 based on that. But he'll be a 25-year old rookie and the value at LB happened on Day-3. He should start right away and make an impact right away.Dylan Fairchild has great pass protection data, but didn't test athletically and that creates a risk in his profile. He's strong, tough and plays nasty. Needs to work on his hands, playing with length and balance. Everything can't be close quarters combat. I expect him to win the LG job.They did well on Day-3 and drafted above the average score in each round to finish. Barrett Carter can he a role player or low end starter.Jalen Rivers has a chance to be a key backup or low end starter.Tahj Brooks is a bowling ball and offers some power and density to that RB room. Have him attached to Samaje Perine's hip this year.Positives: They drafted athletes and didn't go off the grid completely.Negatives: There's no doubt that they reached, accepted risks I wouldn't have and drafted some of cheapest replacement positions after the first round.If they got 3 starters from this class, are they good starters? Or just thrust into a position the Bengals failed to address in free agency?Because they'll have opportunities to play, there's a good chance these guys outplay these scores.Typically guys that score below 72 don't get clear opportunities to play around the league.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Overall thoughts/grade: C

Stewart pick I do not like. Maybe he comes around, I hope he does. Freak athlete. 10/10 in RAS #1 all time for DE's. I do like that Golden's defenses typically evolve each year to fit what guys so, unlike Lou's rigid style Maybe that works in Stewarts' favor. However, on a defense that lacked production, drafting a guy who didn't produce is a bold strategy - and major risk. If they wanted DE, they likely should have gone Pearce Jr. If they wanted to take a bigger Swing - go with Green (and his character issues). I wanted Harmon once Nolen was gone.

LB - I actually like this pick. Yes, he's older. His ceiling is likely limited due to his age. However, he is exactly the OPPOSITE of Stewart. Tons of production. I think, at worst, his floor is a rotational LB - and his ceiling is LB2. On a defense that needed guys that can just go get it done, I think this guy can go get it done. So, while I understand he might have been around in round 3 - the dropoff at LB was much steeper than IOL - and I can see why the Bengals wanted to make this move. Could have traded down? Maybe, if someone wanted to trade up - we don't know.

IOL - Another guy I actually like. Go back and watch the film on Ratledge, and you see this guy. One of the best pass pro IOL in all of college. Just 1% pressure/sack rate. Not the athlete Tate is, but a guy that can immediately push for that starting LG spot. The best of IOL guys are usually round 1-2-3 guys...and I don't feel that this one was a reach. I think he was slotted well - and again, the pick in round 2 makes more sense when you feel like the drop from the next tier in LB was much steeper than at IOL.

LB - Another pick I'm good with. Here is where you can start to take a bit of a swing on projection. Barrett has upside as a potential lower tier LB1 with his skill set - and I like Golden's history with LB's. At worst, he becomes a really good ST and likely LB3 rotational guy.

OT/IOL - Good depth. I believe played with Lee, who we all think has some potential. Swing OT/IOL potential, which is good because Ford currently holds that spot and isn't getting any better/younger at this point.

RB - 6th round RB - good athletic traits, could be a good pair match with Brown...but in rounds 5-7 you are looking to fill more ST roles and depth - and I think this kid is a good fit. Against Cincinnati ran for a ton of yards, and on carries 28, 29, 30 (Or something like that) in the game, went for 10+ each time. Did not tire out.

Nice analysis.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Nice analysis.

Thanks!

I think it's a fair overview. I also tend to take into consideration that the draft pick is more than just THAT pick. For example: McKnight goes probably a round too soon. They could have gotten Ratledge at that spot and it would have been a better "value" draft pick. However, the drop-off from McKnight to the next LB is pretty steep. Contrast that with a much deeper pool of IOL and you have to make a decision: Grab the guy you like earlier than you'd want, or risk ending up having to take a guy like Barrett way sooner than you'd like AND there is that dropoff in play/expectation. The Bengals reached at bit on McKnight, but it wasn't massive AND I can understand it. They still land a very solid guy in round 3 at IOL and when you look at the board - it makes sense. From a value standpoint (media pundits) I can see why they are concerned, but from an organization standpoint - I get it.

Oddly enough - the traits they really liked about McKnight (production, ready day 1) is the exact opposite of what they did in round 1 with Stewart - which raises some concern on if they had an actual plan - or was Nolen the pick all along and when he went...they decided to just completely abandon ship on production at that point, and take a HR swing with Stewart? In a year where the defense came off a decent/solid season, I could see the swing. In a year in which the Bengals put up one of the worst, if not the worst, performance in franchise history - it's just not the route I personally would have gone.

Time will tell. Can't teach what he has at his size, so let's hope that Golden can put him in position to finally show the production that his athletic traits scream that he should have.

Back half of the draft is actually pretty solid and decent value. If only the Bengals could get that approach in rounds 1-2-3...lol

 

[DanBengalfan]

FWIW - they see Stewart as a Hubbard replacement. Not Trey. My guess is, they will see what Ossai/Murphy bring this year. If one of them can break out a bit, they will re-sign them and let Trey walk. Or, they will sign/draft a top tier DE next year.

I was hoping for more from Murphy. hopefully one of those guys will make an impact this year, we need it.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I was hoping for more from Murphy. hopefully one of those guys will make an impact this year, we need it.

Murphy was always a bit of a project. In a way, much like Stewart. Of course, at the time you had prime Hubbard, Reader, Hill, Trey...then in Myle's rookie year, he got hurt. Then Hubbard got hurt. Then Reader got hurt. In year 2, they replaced Reader with Rankins, who got really sick and was ineffective and Hubbard got hurt again. Ossai did a nice job down the stretch, and I think Murphy showed some small flashes - but this is, likely, the big year that the Bengals were originally targeting him to be a major factor. The massive decline in Hubbard, Reader, and the inability to replace that talent - put a lot of pressure on some guys (like Murphy, McKinley, Jenkins) who simply were not ready for those roles yet.

There was a good article about him, his off-season approach this year, and some of the changes he's made to come into camp already hitting the ground running. Positive steps, but needs to translate.

One last thought on his playing time - Lou rode his horses hard. Hubbard played a lot despite being diminished. Took a season ending injury to finally get him off the field - and he was so banged up from the past 2-3 years - he retired. Lou did the same with Bell over Battle - and has left Pratt out there despite his issues. Lou did some really good things while he was here, but the defense was never really "elite" like some thought it was. Created some turnovers, which helped to masks a lot of the issues, but hopefully under Golden Murphy will finally get to marry his talents/efforts with opportunity.