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The Cincinnati Bengals were among the most disappointing teams in the NFL this year. Some of that was due to injury, as quarterback Joe Burrow missed half the season.

However, their defense was also one of the worst we have seen in a while. We did see some growth on that side of the ball.

Defensive end Myles Murphy made huge strides, and they have a great cornerback duo. However, they obviously still have huge holes on defense, as well as a few holes on the offensive side of the ball, too.

Next year should be a do-or-die year for head coach Zac Taylor, so they need impact players early. Here is my first look at a 2026 NFL Mock Draft for the Bengals. 

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Round 1, Pick 10: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State

Caleb Downs is the best player in this draft. He is a chess piece for a defensive coordinator and can do anything you can ask of a safety. The Bengals really struggled at safety, with Geno Stone struggling and Jordan Battle being inconsistent.

The Bengals need a general on that defense, and Downs could be just that. Plug him into that defense and let him, Dax, and DJ Turner grow into one of the best secondaries in the NFL. 

Round 2, Pick 41: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

Cashius Howell isn’t the prototypical edge the Bengals go for, but they need to change that. Howell is an absolute demon off the edge. Howell can be a day one designated pass rusher when the Bengals move Shemar Stewart inside on passing downs.

He gives the Bengals a much-needed weapon off the edge and will make the interior of the defensive line’s job much easier. A pass rush of Murphy, Howell, Stewart, and their next pick is one that can get after the quarterback and make the secondary’s job that much easier. 

Round 3, Pick 72: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

This might be a little high for Gracen Halton to some, but he is one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in this class. Halton shows good quickness and athleticism inside, using that to beat guards and centers quickly into the backfield.

He has demonstrated multiple pass-rush moves to beat linemen and the athleticism to loop on stunts. He isn’t the best against the run, and like Howell, may start his career as a designated pass rusher, but the Bengals need pass rush badly. BJ Hill, TJ Slayton, and Kris Jenkins can be the run stoppers on early downs, keeping Halton fresh and letting him get after the QB when needed. 

Round 4, Pick 110: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

The Bengals need a wide receiver three, and Bryce Lance is one of the higher upside receivers in this class. He is one of the best deep threats in this class with elite size and speed. He has shown top-end body control and the ability to run after the catch and pick up big yards.

The Bengals need a receiver who can threaten a defense and make big plays when teams are doubling Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and Lance can do just that.

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