CINCINNATI, Ohio — Following a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin is focused on addressing critical weaknesses, particularly on the defensive line, as Cincinnati aims to break a three-year playoff drought. In his recent end-of-season press conference, Tobin highlighted the importance of improving the team’s pass rush as a primary objective for the upcoming offseason.
Tobin stated, “Successful defenses, in my opinion, they have to be able to pressure the passer. You’d like to be able to pressure with four, I think we need pass rush… I’m a guy that believes in the front on both sides of the ball, that is my focus.” This sentiment reflects a pressing need for the Bengals, who ranked tied for 22nd in the NFL last season with just 35 sacks.
Compounding the issue, key defensive player Trey Hendrickson is slated to enter free agency after missing ten games due to injury. Tobin’s remarks suggest a serious assessment of the current roster, with Joseph Ossai also approaching free agency, further underscoring a need for depth and competition on the defensive front.
Additionally, the Bengals’ blitz rate under defensive coordinator Al Golden was the lowest in the league at 17.1%, indicating a significant lack of pressure generated on opposing quarterbacks. To address these deficiencies, securing a dynamic edge rusher through free agency or the upcoming NFL draft will be vital if the Bengals hope to return to playoff contention.
Tobin’s proactive approach is underscored by the identification of potential draftees ready to make an immediate impact. For instance, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, projected as a top pick, boasts impressive statistics with 14.5 sacks in 2025, ranking high in the country for quarterback pressures. Such prospects could revolutionize the Bengals’ pass rush, providing the much-needed energy and effectiveness that has been lacking.
The Bengals’ commitment to revamping their defensive strategy not only aims for immediate results but also fosters optimism for restoring the team’s competitive edge in the AFC. As the organization prepares for a restructuring phase, fans can hope that strategic decisions made in the offseason will lead to a more formidable and playoff-caliber roster in the coming years.