The Cincinnati Bengals will have some explosive playmakers next season, but need help in other areas.

The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best quarterbacks in football with Joe Burrow.

They also have arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the game with Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase.

And while that is certainly a recipe for success, they also have plenty of other holes they need to fill across the board to turn back into Super Bowl contenders.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three first-round fits for the Bengals in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The wide consensus among most analysts is that the Bengals need help above all else along the defensive front, whether they be in the pass rush or in the middle.

In the event that they decide to go with a defensive tackle, Walter Nolen might be the best prospect left on the board by the time the No. 17 overall selection rolls around.

Nolen is as versatile as they come at the spot and is dominant against the run and the in the pass rush. He would fit seamlessly into the Bengals defensive line and improve it in multiple areas.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

There is talk that Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell could go higher than this, but if the draft process plays out as most expect, he could very well be right there for the Bengals to pounce out.

Campbell is a versatile prospect who can do it all from the linebacker spot. He can run sideline to sideline, rush the passer or stop the run.

The Bengals need all three, and Campbell might be the guy that gives it to them.

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Another spot the Bengals certainly need help with is rushing the passer, and while Campbell could do that, they also need a true dedicated pass rusher.

Mike Green of Marshall has been rocketing up draft boards and is one of the best overall athletes in the class.

He led the nation in sacks in 2024 and would be a tremendous get for a Bengals defense starving for that kind of production.