The Bengals disappointed in 2024 and needed a big offseason to take advantage of Joe Burrow’s window. What are the questions that emerge from the offseason?

Can the rookies start along the interior?

The Bengals had to fix their defense, but if there was something to do on offense, it was the interior offensive line. They drafted Dylan Fairchild in round three and Jalen Rivers in round five, who may just be a swing tackle, but it also would not be a shock if this were your guard combo moving forward. Fairchild will likely start at right guard over Cody Ford and you wonder if Cordell Volson will keep his job.

Can Tajh Brooks find a role?

The Bengals need a back who can pass protect and impact the passing game. It shows in their signing of Samaje Perine, and it makes sixth-round rookie Tahj Brooks enticing. Chase Brown showed promise, but snaps are open if the passing game can be impacted, and Brooks may do that. It is worth a look. 

Which edge rusher will step up?

Trey Hendrickson is coming off an excellent year, and it appears the Bengals have no interest in moving him. The team has drafted Joseph Ossai, Myles Murphy, and now Shemar Stewart, with Murphy and Stewart being first-round picks. Murphy showed promise, and Stewart has all of the traits, but they need these two to step up to form a strong edge group. 

Will Germaine Pratt be let go?

Demetrius Knight has a physical resemblance to Pratt, and while he is going to be 25 years old as a rookie, it does mean he should be physically ready to get on the NFL field and start as a rookie. The Bengals can save $6M by moving on from Pratt, and he is not signed past this year. The first chance they feel Knight can start, you can expect Pratt to be cut. 

Will Al Golden help the returning secondary 

The Bengals needed a defensive makeover, and while they added some juice in the draft upfront, they did not do as much as you would expect. The big move is Al Golden as defensive coordinator. Both of their safeties are coming off career-low years, and all of their cornerbacks bring questions surrounding their long-term stability. Can Golden fix this, because for the most part, they are running back names they had?