The Cincinnati Bengals remain in the playoff hunt despite the miserable record and falling short of expectations.
But that doesn’t mean fans can’t glance at 2025 NFL mock drafts yet.
In that realm of NFL coverage, they will find plenty of mocks that get the defense some help, whether it’s along the struggling line or in the secondary.
But a select few go ahead and give Joe Burrow another weapon, too.
Take, for instance, a new mock from The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez, who has the Bengals grabbing Michigan tight end Colston Loveland:
Since Joe Burrow became the quarterback of the Bengals, the tight end position has been a revolving door. This year, the Bengals take a swing at finding a player who could be their long-term solution at tight end in Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Loveland has high-level athletic traits that make him a mismatch for both linebackers and safeties. As the Bengals figure out which superstar receivers they’re going to pay, they draft a high-end tight end to help solidify the offense and clear up the picture.
Quietly, tight end is a bigger need than it gets credit for right now in Cincinnati now that rookie Erick All Jr. has suffered another injury. Veteran Mike Gesicki is on a one-year deal, too.
A 6’5″ weapon like Loveland would certainly help the offense and life after Tee Higgins could prove to be rough, should it happen. But this type of pick would prevent the defense from getting some much-needed help, too.
If nothing else, though, it’s one scenario to keep an eye on from here.