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Bengals Go Big, Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents to Round Out 2025 Rookie Class
The Bengals added serious depth to their 2025 rookie class, announcing the signing of 13 undrafted free agents, bringing the group to 19 total players. Among the newcomers are intriguing prospects from top programs and small schools alike — including one international signee with a unique path to the NFL.
Here’s a look at Cincinnati’s 2025 UDFA class:
- Dante Barnett, DT (Dickinson College)
- Quali Conley, RB (Arizona)
- Howard Cross III, DT (Notre Dame)
- Caleb Etienne, OT (BYU)
- Eric Gregory, DT (Arkansas)
- Bralyn Lux, CB (Texas Tech)
- Jamoi Mayes, WR (Cincinnati)
- Seth McLaughlin, C (Ohio State)
- Jordan Moore, WR (Duke)
- Rashod Owens, WR (Oklahoma State)
- Kole Taylor, TE (West Virginia)
- Payton Thorne, QB (Auburn)
- William Wagner, LS (Michigan)
International Addition: Dante Barnett
Barnett joins the Bengals through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. A Birmingham, England native, Barnett played three years at the NFL Academy in Leicester before spending a season at Division-III Dickinson College. At 6-foot-1, 275 pounds, he’s a bit undersized for the interior and lacks the burst typically needed off the edge — meaning his NFL fit is still a question mark. Still, his unique background and raw potential make him an interesting developmental piece.
Notre Dame’s Anchor: Howard Cross III
Cross was a steady force on Notre Dame’s defensive front for four seasons, earning second-team All-American honors in each of the last two. Now reunited with former Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden in Cincinnati, he’ll hope to leverage familiarity and high motor into a roster spot. Though undersized (6-foot-1, 285 pounds) and not overly powerful, his explosive first step and football IQ — traits he credits to his father, former Giants TE Howard Cross — should appeal to coaches.
Upside at Tackle: Caleb Etienne
A towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 329 pounds, Etienne boasts an elite wingspan and flashed NFL-level traits during his senior year at BYU. After a shaky 2023 at right tackle, he moved to the left side and thrived, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024. His length and frame are enticing, but he’ll need to refine his footwork and overall technique to stick on an NFL roster.
Steal Potential: Seth McLaughlin
One of the most intriguing names on the list, McLaughlin was a four-year contributor at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State for the 2024 season. There, he won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors — all while anchoring the Buckeyes’ line until a late-season Achilles tear ended his campaign. That injury, which required surgery, derailed his pre-draft process and ultimately pushed him out of the draft entirely. Still, McLaughlin is a polished, technically sound, and cerebral player with strong leadership traits. If he returns to full health, he has a legitimate shot to develop into a starting-caliber center — perhaps even a future successor to Ted Karras.
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