He’s not there yet, but offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is a shoo-in for the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor.
Drafted in the second round out of LSU in 2006, Whitworth played 11 seasons for the Bengals. He started 164 out of a possible 176 games, mostly at left tackle, while being selected to three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro second team.
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Now retired, Whitworth and another former Bengal, journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, share their NFL views on the “Fitz & Whit” podcast. This week, discussion turned to Cincinnati’s window to contend amid upheaval in the AFC North. The three other teams in the division have new coaches heading into 2026.
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Whitworth said the Bengals must hit a home run in April’s NFL draft to make a move up the standings.
“They need to hit on a young guy who can play significant snaps this season to get that next step,” Whitworth said. “I just think they’re a player behind here or there. They need some elite starter in this draft.”
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Cincinnati finished 6-11 and in third place in the AFC North in 2025. Star quarterback Joe Burrow missed nine games after suffering a foot injury in Week 2.
The Bengals have been active in free agency this offseason in an attempt to bolster a defense that ranked 31st in total yardage last season. They signed pass rusher Boye Mafe from the Seattle Seahawks and safety Bryan Cook from the Kansas City Chiefs, then agreed to terms with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen from the Minnesota Vikings.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Credit: The Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Images
Most experts predict Cincinnati will focus on defense in the draft as well. A three-round mock draft published by Pro Football Focus has the Bengals selecting Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs with the 10th overall pick.
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In the second round, PFF predicts Cincinnati will take Missouri Tigers pass rusher Zion Young. Then in the third round, the Bengals stay in Columbia to snag Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, per PFF.
Other popular picks for Cincinnati’s first-round pick include Miami Hurricanes pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Whitworth and Fitzpatrick agreed with a focus on defense. The offense, which features top-flight receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ranked 17th in total offense last season despite Burrow missing more than half of the campaign.
“As long as Joe Burrow’s healthy, we know what kind of offense that’s going to be,” Fitzpatrick said.
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