The Cincinnati Bengals have received plenty of flak for their selections in the 2025 NFL draft, but there is at least one analyst out there praising them for a pair of selections.
In a consensus of NFL draft grades compiled by analyst Rene Bugner, the Bengals had the worst grade point average of any team in the NFL with a dreadful 2.06.
But ESPN's Matt Miller is a bit more upbeat. In an article ranking the top-100 draft picks from this year's event, Miller listed two Bengals picks. At No. 39 on Miller's list is edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who many believe was one of the riskier picks in the draft.
"Stewart starred in the predraft process, acing the combine and showing his explosive ability in testing," Miller wrote. "The Bengals were intrigued enough to make a small reach in terms of value, but Stewart's upside is as high as any player in the class. If he can turn his testing numbers into production on a Cincinnati defense that is seeking help, Stewart will look like a steal at No. 17."
While Stewart is a freak athlete with sky-high potential, the fact that he only had 4.5 sacks over the past three years, including 1.5 in each year, leaves room for concern about his future in the NFL.
Nevertheless, the Bengals needed an edge rusher and Stewart was widely considered one of the better options in the draft.
The second Bengals pick to make the list was guard Dylan Fairchild, who was taken with the No. 81 overall pick, which fell in the third round. Miller says Fairchild was one of his favorite prospects among interior linemen.
"Fairchild was one of my favorite interior prospects despite being banged up throughout last season," Miller wrote. "The Bengals' interior offensive line is in enough flux that I ranked guard as their No. 5 overall need."
Fairchild was a strong get in the third round for the Bengals. Not only does he address the team's need at guard, he comes from the SEC, where he faced top-flight competition that will make him more ready than most to play in the NFL.
There's no doubt a lot of negative noise surrounding the Bengals' 2025 NFL draft class right now, but we won't know for sure just how good or bad Cincinnati did until a few years from now.
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