Whitworth said the Bengals must hit a home run in April\u2019s NFL draft to make a move up the standings.<\/p>\n
Andrew Whitworth: “If you wanna talk about a window \u2026 Cincinnati has a window.”<\/p>\n
Ryan Fitzpatrick: “As long as Joe Burrow’s healthy we know what kind of offense that’s gonna be.”<\/p>\n
Fitz & Whit think there’s an open window for the Bengals in the AFC North this season \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/6uhSzK4lWT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) March 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThey need to hit on a young guy who can play significant snaps this season to get that next step,\u201d Whitworth said<\/a>. \u201cI just think they\u2019re a player behind here or there. They need some elite starter in this draft.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Most experts predict Cincinnati will focus on defense in the draft as well. A three-round mock draft published by Pro Football Focus<\/a> has the Bengals selecting Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs with the 10th overall pick. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Other popular picks for Cincinnati\u2019s first-round pick include Miami Hurricanes pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane.<\/p>\n Whitworth and Fitzpatrick agreed with a focus on defense. The offense, which features top-flight receivers in Ja\u2019Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ranked 17th in total offense last season despite Burrow missing more than half of the campaign.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as Joe Burrow\u2019s healthy, we know what kind of offense that\u2019s going to be,\u201d Fitzpatrick said.<\/p>\n \u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n NFL: 3 players whose fantasy stock went down after 2026\u2019s NFL free agency cycle<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n WBC: World Baseball Classic title odds, where Team USA stands<\/a><\/p>\n SOCCER: Historic soccer country reps Jordan Brand for 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a><\/p>\n ENTERTAINMENT: Social media uncovers \u2018Survivor\u2019 connection with NBA legend\u2019s brother<\/a><\/p>\n SPORTS MEDIA: NBC makes major decision on Tony Dungy\u2019s \u2018Sunday Night Football\u2019future<\/a><\/p>\n VIRAL: Social media star Livvy Dunne lands role in steamy \u2018Baywatch\u2019 reboot<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t![\"4.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/default-270-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n