Bengals' 2025 Rookie Class Earns Middling Grade

NFL.com analyst gives Cincinnati's draft picks a C+ in their debut season

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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According to an NFL.com analysis, the Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 rookie class earned a middling C+ grade, with only a few players making meaningful contributions. The team's first-round pick, edge rusher Shemar Stewart, struggled with injuries and productivity, while other selections like offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild and linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter showed promise despite being thrown into starting roles on an overmatched defense.

Why it matters

The Bengals' 2025 draft class is an important part of the team's long-term plans, as they look to build on recent success and compete for championships. A lackluster debut from this group could hinder the team's progress, but there are signs that some players may develop into solid contributors with more experience.

The details

NFL.com's Gennaro Felice broke down the performance of the Bengals' 2025 rookie class, which ranked 25th in the league with a C+ grade. The team's first-round pick, edge rusher Shemar Stewart, was a major disappointment, recording just one sack in an injury-plagued eight-game season. However, other selections like offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild, who started 15 games at left guard, and linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, who tied for second on the team with 106 tackles, showed promise despite being thrown into starting roles on a struggling defense.

  • The Bengals' 2025 rookie class was evaluated in a report released on February 17, 2026.

The players

Shemar Stewart

The Bengals' first-round pick in 2025, an edge rusher who struggled with injuries and productivity in his rookie season, recording just one sack.

Dylan Fairchild

The Bengals' third-round pick in 2025, who started 15 games at left guard and was the team's best rookie contributor on offense.

Demetrius Knight Jr.

A rookie linebacker for the Bengals in 2025, who tied for second on the team with 106 tackles despite being thrown into a starting role on an overmatched defense.

Barrett Carter

Another rookie linebacker for the Bengals in 2025, who also tied for second on the team with 106 tackles and showed growth as the season progressed.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals took a huge swing at No. 17 overall, drafting a raw edge rusher who recorded just 1.5 sacks in each of his three college seasons. Alas, Shemar Stewart was even less productive in his NFL debut, logging one sack in an eight-game campaign that was preceded by a contract dispute and abbreviated by multiple injuries. Cincinnati's first-round gamble busted in Year 1, putting a taint on this group.”

— Gennaro Felice, NFL.com analyst (NFL.com)

“Dylan Fairchild was the best of the bunch, serving as a solid 15-game starter at left guard. Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter experienced a trial by fire as a pair of rookie starters in the middle of an overmatched defense. The young linebackers made mistakes, to be sure, but they also showed growth as the season progressed, ultimately tying for second on the team with 106 tackles.”

— Gennaro Felice, NFL.com analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Bengals are hoping that the experience gained by their 2025 rookie class in their debut season will lead to more winning in 2026. Shemar Stewart will look to avoid the injury bug that plagued him, while Fairchild, Knight, and Carter aim to build on their promising moments from last year.

The takeaway

The Bengals' 2025 rookie class had a mixed debut, with their first-round pick struggling mightily but some later-round selections showing potential as starters. While the overall grade was a middling C+, the team is banking on this group gaining valuable experience to become more productive contributors in the years ahead as the Bengals look to maintain their status as an AFC contender.