This is a dream scenario for Cincinnati if it trades Higgins. The Bengals would put themselves in a position to draft the wideout’s replacement, perhaps Arizona product Tetairoa McMillan, a big-bodied receiver at 6’5″, 212 pounds. The club can also address its defensive needs in the first round with the 17th pick.

The Cincinnati Bengals have floated the idea of franchise tagging Tee Higgins. While that may seem like a stop-gap to appease Joe Burrow, it could be out of selfishness for the Bengals front office. Burrow has been clear about what he wants the front office to do when it comes to retaining both Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins.

Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 21, 2025 There have been quite a few moving parts with former New Orleans Saints

Over at The Athletic, the team beat writers got together to conduct their own first-round mock. In this instance, the Cincinnati Bengals, led by beat writer Paul Dehner Jr., get some long-needed help on the inside of the defensive line by selecting Walter Nolen of Ole Miss at No. 17.