Jan. 16, 2026, 4:04 p.m. ET
With so many needs on the defensive side of the ball, the Cincinnati Bengals feel like a team that can’t really go wrong at 10th overall in the 2026 NFL draft.
Bengals fans, of course, know that isn’t true. The team has steered into mistakes in the first round plenty over the years, including in the top 10 (John Ross).
A good example of what the Bengals probably shouldn’t do just popped up in a new mock draft from The Ringer’s Danny Kelly, which has Cincinnati settling on Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy:
“McCoy could be just what the doctor ordered for the Bengals pass defense, which ranked among the worst in almost every meaningful metric. The Volunteers star missed all of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL, but his reaction speed, ball skills, and instincts are all apparent on his 2024 tape.”
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A draft pick like this would demand the Bengals use a heavy dose of cap space on outside help at pass-rusher, interior defensive line and safety to have the best shot at turning things around next year. That, and retaining one of free agents Trey Hendrickson or Joseph Ossai.
Beyond the injury concerns for McCoy outlined above, the Bengals already have solid footing at cornerback with Dax Hill and DJ Turner on the boundary. Their current group of guys, plus a possible addition in free agency, would only get better from upgrading the front seven.
On paper, addressing the defensive line with the 10th pick feels like the best course of action, if not hoping they back into a safety like Caleb Downs to rest that ref-flag area.
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