The Cincinnati Bengals are an NFL team that is tough to get a gauge on right now. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on the offensive side of the football, this is an offensive group that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl. The defense, on the other hand, is a long way away.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, both head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin need to put together a strong haul to maximize that aforementioned offensive firepower. To help give an early draft preview for Cincinnati, A to Z Sports Bengals beat writer John Sheeran joined Best Pod Available. A part of that conversation, Sheeran helped us put together a three-round mock draft, which included selections No. 10, 41, and 72.
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Sheeran got thrown a curveball to begin the mock draft with the top pick. When the Bengals got on the clock, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., LSU cornerback, and Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey were all off the board. With that challenge in front of him, Sheeran had to quickly pivot.
Here is the three-man haul that Sheeran put together, and his analysis that followed. It would be an interesting, yet unorthodox group for the Bengals.
I can’t believe the board fell the way that it did, but that’s the spirit of the draft! Love is fantastic, but is ultimately a player whose success is dependent on his surroundings. Fortunately, the Bengals have the offensive infrastructure to uplift a first-round tailback with a competent offensive line and weaponry to lighten the box. He really would thrive in Cincinnati so long as the line stays at its current level, which is why I’m comfortable with this pick in this scenario.
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Lou Anarumo isn’t in Cincy anymore, but there are still coaches on staff who very clearly remember the impact Mike Hilton had in the slot. Hilton is the natural comparison for the undersized Ponds, who plays above his size, and he’s even better in man coverage. The Bengals need another cornerback in the room, and Ponds would start immediately in the slot. The experience he has on the boundary only enhances his case, even if he may not find as much success there at the next level.
Dennis-Sutton feels like a Bengals pick. He was viewed much more favorably as a prospect this time last year, so the idea of getting him in the third round after a down year for Penn State is enticing for a club that always prioritizes value. He still has the ideal frame they desire in their EDGE players and is obviously a gifted athlete. Traits and size typically win over Cincinnati when it comes to pass rushers. Don’t be surprised if this pick becomes reality.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.