CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals made six picks, beginning with the No. 17 selection of the first round, which they used to improve a troubled defense with Shemar Stewart.
Cincinnati Bengals | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 17 overall: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
My take: The Bengals addressed a key need by taking a defensive end. Not only does Stewart give the Bengals immediate depth, but he gives Cincinnati a viable long-term starter no matter what happens with Trey Hendrickson, who was given permission to seek a trade. In his call with local media after the pick was made, Stewart said he plans on being around Hendrickson to learn as much as possible. Stewart said Hendrickson's power helped him lead to 17.5 sacks last season to lead the NFL.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time: Immediately. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden said the coaching staff will get him up to speed as quickly as possible. At minimum, Stewart should be able to get a handful of snaps. But there is definitely an avenue that he could see an increased snap count as the season progresses given the unknowns at edge rusher, including an uncertain future with Hendrickson.
What we're hearing about Stewart: Golden made it very clear that the lack of production -- 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons -- wasn't a major concern. Cincinnati's first-year coordinator said Stewart was also making a ton of plays away from the line of scrimmage. "This is guy is an ascending player right now and a young man that we're really looking forward to working with," Golden said.
Round 2: No. 49 overall: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
My take: Cincinnati apparently felt the need to acquire a linebacker. Knight is a six-year college player who had stops at Georgia Tech, Charlotte and finally at South Carolina, where he spent one season with the Gamecocks. It does signal volumes about where Cincinnati stands at the position given the contract status of Germaine Pratt, a six-year veteran who requested a trade this offseason and could be on the way out regardless if the Bengals can find a trade partner. Cincinnati believes Knight can come in and compete immediately for a starting job.
What we're hearing about Knight: Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden said he waited for the previous 17 picks to tick off the board so the Bengals could draft Knight. Golden said Knight had a very good pro day at South Carolina and said he was the MVP for one of the best defenses in the country. Cincinnati liked his background and the ability to become an immediate captain at South Carolina. But the most important thing is his versatility. Golden said that Knight's versatility allows him to either be an on- or off-ball linebacker or even a defensive end in certain fronts. Knight had the second-longest wingspan of any available linebacker in this year's draft class (80.5 inches), according to Next Gen Stats.
Round 3, No. 81 overall: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
My take: It was almost a guarantee that the Bengals were going to take a guard on Day 2. Cincinnati crosses off a major position of need in a spot that makes sense. Leading into the draft, the Bengals were eyeing a notable guard option. Cincinnati exec Duke Tobin was very vocal about the guard depth in not just this year's draft but seemingly every draft. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Fairchild was someone Cincinnati targeted early in the process and is someone who will immediately come in and compete for the starting left guard spot.
Ties to the team to know: The Bengals certainly love players from big-time college programs. This is the second straight year Cincinnati drafted a Georgia offensive lineman. One year after taking offensive tackle Amarius Mims, Fairchild rejoins his old teammate and the left guard sport is "absolutely his to win," offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. Pitcher noted the significance of adding players specifically from Georgia's program. Also, Fairchild was an undefeated high school wrestler. New offensive line coach Scott Peters is a former jiu-jitsu trainer.
Round 4, No. 119: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
My take: Cincinnati double-dips at linebacker after getting Knight in the second round. It sets the Bengals up in future years after losing Akeem Davis-Gaither and potentially Germaine Pratt this offseason. Oren Burks, who signed in free agency, is on a two-year deal. Carter has been active in pass defense, too. He had five or more pass deflections in each of the last three seasons.
Round 5, No. 153: Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami
My take: Cincinnati picks up some additional depth along the offensive line. Rivers played left tackle for the Hurricanes last season but should provide positional flexibility for the Bengals, which is paramount for any reserve. He started his Miami career at left guard before finishing at left tackle. He was also teammates with Bengals second-year center Matt Lee at Miami during the 2023 season. Rivers is a piece for 2026 and beyond, considering Cincinnati has only four offensive linemen under contract after this season.
Round 6, No. 193: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
My take: The Bengals used their final scheduled pick on getting running back depth. In addition to Zack Moss and Samaje Perine, Brooks gives the Bengals depth and could replace the role previously held by Trayveon Williams. Brooks is Texas Tech's all-time leading rusher. He also had 20 catches in each of the last three seasons. Given what coach Joey McGuire has done at Tech, he shood be a good fit for Cincinnati's pass-heavy offense.