The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason looking to strengthen a defense that struggled with consistency while continuing to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati addressed several needs in free agency, re-signing offensive linemen Orlando Brown Jr. and Dalton Risner while also adding defensive reinforcements such as edge rusher Boye Mafe, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and safety Bryan Cook. Those moves helped stabilize key positions, but the Bengals still had holes in the middle of their defense and needed additional young talent across the roster.
The class starts with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, one of the best defensive backs in the entire draft. He gives Cincinnati a true playmaking safety who can line up deep, in the box, or over the slot. From there the Bengals double down on defensive reinforcements with Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller and Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, strengthening the run defense and interior pressure. Those three picks alone reshape the core of the defense.
After the defensive rebuild early, the rest of the draft adds depth and development pieces. Billy Schrauth provides interior offensive line depth and a potential future starter, while Caden Curry gives the Bengals a developmental pass rusher with high upside. The late rounds focus on versatility and special teams with Lorenzo Styles Jr., linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., and blocking tight end Max Bredeson.
Overall, this class fits the Bengals perfectly: it improves the defense immediately while giving the offense long-term protection pieces.
Player Profiles
Dillon Thieneman — Safety
Oregon | Round 1 Pick 10
Thieneman is one of the most versatile safeties in the draft. His 2025 season earned a 91.0 PFF grade, showing elite impact across the defense. He played over 800 defensive snaps, with experience lining up deep, in the box, and even in the slot. That versatility makes him a perfect modern NFL safety.
He’s a physical tackler with excellent instincts and range. Thieneman posted 72 tackles and nine missed tackles, showing strong reliability against the run. His ability to rotate between deep coverage and box duties allows defenses to disguise coverages and limit explosive plays. For Cincinnati, he could become the defense’s long-term leader in the secondary.
Christen Miller — Defensive Interior
Georgia | Round 2 Pick 41
Miller is a classic Georgia defensive tackle — powerful, disciplined, and technically sound. His 84.5 overall PFF grade shows strong consistency against both the run and pass. He logged over 430 defensive snaps, with significant time playing in both A-gap and B-gap alignments.
He isn’t a huge sack producer, but he consistently generates interior pressure with 17 quarterback hurries. His real value is his ability to disrupt blocking schemes and collapse the pocket. Miller would fit perfectly in Cincinnati’s defensive line rotation and could eventually develop into a three-down interior defender.
Josiah Trotter — Linebacker
Missouri | Round 3 Pick 72
Trotter is one of the most physical linebackers in this class. His 89.2 run defense grade reflects his ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack downhill. He recorded 58 tackles and 23 assists, showing strong production as a run defender.
He’s primarily a box linebacker, playing 449 snaps near the line of scrimmage. While his coverage grade is lower, his ability to rush the passer and stop the run gives him real value in early-down situations. Cincinnati badly needs toughness in the middle of the defense, and Trotter brings exactly that.
Billy Schrauth — Guard
Notre Dame | Round 4 Pick 110
Schrauth is a technically sound interior lineman who projects as a strong depth piece with starter upside. He posted a 74.9 overall grade with impressive pass protection numbers. In over 400 offensive snaps, he allowed no sacks and only two hurries, showing excellent pocket stability.
He’s primarily a left guard but has experience at multiple interior positions. His 82.7 pass blocking grade suggests he could develop into a reliable long-term protector for Joe Burrow. For Cincinnati, he could start as a rotational lineman before potentially becoming a starter.
Caden Curry — Edge Rusher
Ohio State | Round 6 Pick 189
Curry is one of the biggest upside picks in this class. His 90.6 overall defensive grade in 2025 reflects major development as a pass rusher. He recorded 12 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 20 hurries, showing real production.
He lines up mostly outside the tackle, where his speed and burst allow him to attack the edge. His 13.8% pass rush win rate shows he consistently beats blockers. With development, Curry could become a rotational pass rusher for the Bengals.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. — Safety / Nickel Defender
Ohio State | Round 6 Pick 199
Styles is a versatile defensive back who has experience across multiple alignments. He played over 200 snaps in the slot, with additional time deep and in the box. His 71.0 run defense grade highlights his physicality as a tackler.
He’s best suited as a nickel defender or hybrid safety who can handle coverage responsibilities against slot receivers or tight ends. That flexibility gives Cincinnati valuable depth in the secondary.
Harold Perkins Jr. — Linebacker
LSU | Round 7 Pick 221
Perkins is an athletic linebacker known for his explosiveness and pass-rush ability. While he’s still developing as a traditional linebacker, his speed and versatility allow him to play multiple roles. He recorded a 4.38 40-yard Dash at LSU’s Pro Day.
In Cincinnati’s defense he could be used as a situational pass rusher or hybrid linebacker, bringing speed to a defense that sometimes lacks it.
Max Bredeson — Tight End
Michigan | Round 7 Pick 226
Bredeson is a traditional blocking tight end. His 85.2 run-blocking grade shows his strength as an inline blocker. While he isn’t a major receiving threat, he plays a physical brand of football that fits power running schemes.
For Cincinnati, he could serve as a depth tight end and special teams contributor.
If you would like to represent the Bengals in our upcoming Mock draft, please email us at draft@mtmv-sports.com
