The Cincinnati Bengals selected Brian Parker II with pick 189 overall in the sixth round.
For me personally, I was pretty shocked Parker was still available. I had Parker rated as my 74th overall player in the draft. I loved the fact that he has played left and right tackle in college, while being expected to naturally kick inside to guard or center at the next level.
A player on the offensive line with five position flexibility is usually highly coveted around the league. I am sure the Bengals were
more than happy to bring the St. Xavier alumnus back home.
Parker has an extensive amount of playing experience, logging over 2,300 snaps played during his time at Duke. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound offensive lineman has a wrestling background, grip strength in his hands, and a 9.76 relative athletic score.
In 2024, he allowed just 10 pressures and 0 sacks during the entire season. While he didn’t quite have that level of dominance in 2025, he still posted 83.4 pass blocking and 83.9 run blocking grades on the year.
Expected to move inside, it could be a bit of a transition period this upcoming season. The good news is that the Bengals already have their starting five returning on the line. Parker will provide key depth and versatility in a backup role this year. If the Bengals do not bring Dalton Risner back in 2027, I fully expect that Parker can earn the starting right guard job next year.
Scott Peters was terrific in his first season as the offensive line coach in Cincinnati, and it looks like he got his guys in this draft with Lew and Parker. Two guys with wrestling backgrounds, two proven commodities, and two highly intelligent character guys. Parker could end up being the biggest steal of this entire draft. Getting a player of his caliber at pick 189 is incredible value.
This was an excellent addition for Cincinnati.
