ESPN ranks Bengals ‘under-25 team’ 20th in the NFL

The Cincinnati Bengals front office has been working to fill the roster holes with younger pieces moving into the next chapter of the Joe Burrow era.

The Bengals have drafted multiple pieces that have seen significant playing time very quickly, which naturally brings some growing pains for the roster.

But going into 2026, the young section of the roster is taking steps forward, and ESPN now has the Bengals under-25 team' ranked No. 20.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote, The Bengals climbed up a bit in these rankings despite graduating most of their secondary. The youth that remains begins with the offensive line, as right tackle Mims and left guardDylan Fairchildare both 23. So is guardJalen Rivers, who started seven games last season because of injuries on the line. And fourth-round centerConnor Lewwill be 21 in August. The other position with a lot of youth is edge rusher:Myles Murphyis 24, andShemar Stewartis 22; 2026 second-round pickCashius Howellis 23. Behind those players, you'll find linebackerBarrett Carter, who started 12 games as a rookie and doesn't turn 24 until October, and 22-year-old third-round rookie cornerbackTacario Davis."

Schatz has starting right tackle Amarius Mims listed as the Bengals' blue chip' piece for their under-25 team, which makes sense considering his stellar play the past two seasons.

Again, it is safe to say the young pieces of the Bengals roster are improving and will carry a crucial load this upcoming season if Burrow and company hope to snap a 3-year playoff drought.