The Bengals lost four games last season in which they scored at least 30 points. The defense allowed 414 points, fifth most in the league, and allowed a touchdown on 67.9% of opponent's red zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL.

Finding an interior pass rusher to add to the rotation should be a focal point of the Bengals' draft, and the strength of class lines up.

One of the major concerns for the Bengals in 2024 was their defensive line. They struggled against the run and failed to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In this mock draft, Cincinnati uses their first pick to select defensive lineman Derrick Harmon from Oregon.