CINCINNATI — In ESPN’s latest 2025 mock draft, the Bengals are projected to replace Tee Higgins with an SEC wide receiver. Matt Miller has Cincinnati selecting Texas WR Isaiah Bond with the 25th overall pick.
Miller noted, “While Tee Higgins has signed his franchise tag, the Bengals still lack a long-term solution for their talented WR2.” He added, “The Bengals have already drafted Jermaine Burton to succeed Tyler Boyd, but they might prioritize a receiver in the upcoming draft.
Bond, who transferred from Alabama, would take on a role similar to Xavier Worthy in the Texas offense, leveraging his elite downfield speed. Despite a challenging season for the Alabama offense, Bond averaged 13.9 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns. His potential in Steve Sarkisian’s system is substantial.”
Selecting at 25th would be a significant letdown in the final season before Joe Burrow’s salary cap hit exceeds $30 million for the remainder of his contract.
Joe Burrow Reveals Unique Hobby He Took Up to Aid Wrist Injury Recovery
As part of his recovery from last season’s wrist surgery, Joe Burrow has taken up playing the piano to aid in the rehabilitation and strengthening of his wrist.
Burrow, who had always wanted to learn the piano, saw the injury as a chance to pursue this interest. In a recent interview with Complex, he shared, “I’m learning the piano right now, and I hope to get pretty good at it by next offseason. It’s been a bit challenging during the season, but it’s also helped my wrist rehab. It was a perfect time to work on hand and wrist dexterity while learning to play.”
Burrow’s interests extend beyond football. This offseason, he also made his debut at Paris Fashion Week, which he described as a valuable learning experience. “It was definitely different from what I’m used to,” Burrow said. “I enjoyed it and met a lot of great people. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and the fashion world is quite different from football.”
Despite his forays into music and fashion, Burrow’s primary focus remains football. As he enters his fifth NFL season in 2024, it’s a critical year for him. After leading the Bengals to two AFC Championship games in his first four seasons but suffering season-ending injuries in the other two, including 2023, Burrow aims to demonstrate his ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level. Success this season could position the Bengals for a return to the AFC Championship and possibly secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
