Bengals Go All-In on Defense: Land Dominant DL Walter Nolen, Reunite with Xavier Watts in Bold Draft Strategy
The Cincinnati Bengals appear to be playing it smart and safe heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, avoiding high-risk moves in favor of shoring up their defense with proven talent. That’s the strategy reflected in the latest three-round mock draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates. At No. 17 overall, the Bengals select standout defensive lineman Walter Nolen, a powerful and disruptive force on the interior. According to Kiper and Yates, Nolen’s flashes of dominance could become more consistent with NFL-level coaching, potentially unlocking Pro Bowl-caliber play. With Cincinnati’s defense giving up an average of 25.5 points per game in 2024, the pick directly addresses one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
The focus on defense continues in Round 2, where the Bengals snag Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. The move reunites Watts with his former college defensive coordinator, Al Golden, now leading the Bengals’ defense—a pairing that could accelerate Watts’ transition to the pro level.
