Perhaps the Nolen pick, then, made what might've been a 50-50 coin flip of a decision a whole lot easier as they went with Stewart. The Bengals rookie certainly looks like he can set the edge in a Sam Hubbard-like role while developing as a pass-rusher, making him, too, an obvious fit, if not the best player available when they were on the clock.

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

The Cincinnati Bengals added Notre Dame DL Howard Cross III as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL draft. Howard Cross III has an NFL bloodline and had a productive six-year career at Notre Dame. He'll also be one of the older prospects in this year's draft class, as he'll turn 24 during training camp.