The
Cincinnati Bengals
aren’t an easy team to pin down in mock drafts ahead of the 2025 season because so much remains in flux on the defensive side of the ball.
But that’s one thing feeling like a safe bet right now: Cincinnati’s first-round pick figures to be a defensive player.
In a new mock draft from ESPN’s
Matt Miller
, that player is Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell:
“Defensive line could become the No. 1 need if the
Bengals
can’t resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract situations. But assuming cooler heads prevail, Cincinnati should concentrate on its secondary. The Bengals have several young cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, but they’ve been held back by injuries and inconsistency. Terrell, the younger brother of
Falcons
standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes last season. His versatility, speed and production point to him being a value add late in Round 1.”
RELATED:
Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route
Cornerback is a boom-or-bust spot for the Bengals right now. Cam Taylor-Britt looked like a No. 1, only to faceplant last year. DJ Turner II showed promise, only to get hurt. Dax Hill finally came over from safety and looked like a breakout boundary corner, only to get hurt, too.
By the time next year’s draft arrives, we could be talking about the stellar upside of the cornerbacks room (don’t forget second-year player Josh Newton) or about how it’s need No. 1.
If it’s the latter, Terrell is a name to know. And if it’s not cornerback, it’s probably helping out the pass-rusher or interior of the defensive line.
RELATED:
Bengals standouts after mandatory minicamp includes surprises
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire:
Bengals’ unpredictability leads them to interesting name in 2026 mock
