Cincinnati Reds Drop Another Heartbreaker... 2025 NFL Draft Is One Day Away!

On April 22, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds suffered another tough loss, falling 11-13 to the Miami Marlins in a high-scoring affair at LoanDepot Park. The game, part of a three-game series, saw the Reds struggle defensively, particularly in a disastrous seventh inning that allowed the Marlins to surge ahead. Starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft had a rough outing, unable to contain Miami’s offense, while the Reds’ bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding. Offensively, TJ Friedl and Jose Trevino each had two hits, and Noelvi Marte blasted a home run, but the team’s hard-hit balls often found Marlins’ gloves, as noted by fans on X. Despite Nick Martinez’s solid relief effort, costly errors and poor situational hitting (1-for-10 with runners in scoring position) doomed Cincinnati. The loss dropped the Reds to 11-13, highlighting ongoing issues with consistency and defense as they aim to avoid a sweep today. The Cincinnati Bengals approach the 2025 NFL Draft with the 17th overall pick and six total selections, aiming to address critical defensive and offensive needs. After a 9-8 season, the focus is on bolstering the defense, which struggled last year, prompting the firing of coordinator Lou Anarumo. Mock drafts project the Bengals targeting impact defenders like Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen, or Marshall EDGE Mike Green to complement Trey Hendrickson. The defensive line and secondary, weakened by departures like Sam Hubbard and Vonn Bell, are priorities. Offensively, adding depth at guard or tackle is possible, with Alabama’s Parker Brailsford mentioned. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins locked in, the pressure is on director Duke Tobin to hit on draft picks to maximize Burrow’s prime and return to playoff contention under new coordinator Al Golden.