As we stressed constantly, the Cincinnati Bengals weren't going to trade star defensive end Trey Hendrickson during the NFL draft. Before the process, one insider speculated the Bengals could trade Hendrickson if they took Shemar Stewart in the first round.

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Shemar Stewart is selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the number seventeen pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

But CBS Sports' Pete Prisco thinks the Bengals failed in some areas. Best Pick: Fourth-round linebacker Barrett Carter can flat-out fly and will challenge for time early in his career. His play tailed off some last season, but he's a guy I've had my eye on for years.