The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and the Cincinnati Bengals are welcoming in a new rookie class from across the country in an effort to round out a 53-man roster capable of returning to the Super Bowl. Now begins the long stretch of training through the summer, as the team works to get the entire roster under contract and on the same page.
But before we fully turn the page to the 2026 season, there’s no reason we can’t squeeze in one more mock draft.
Rushing has limited experience at Oregon so far. A former 5-star recruit, he redshirted in 2024 for the Ducks and appeared in just seven games in 2025. Still, he’s added size this offseason—now listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds—and fits the physical profile the Bengals typically covet in edge rushers.
It’s not surprising to see a defensive projection here, but it is a bit curious that it’s another edge rusher. The Bengals selected Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart in back-to-back first rounds, signed Boye Mafe this offseason, and just used a second-round pick on Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell.
A linebacker—given the position was largely ignored this offseason—or a cornerback, with neither DJ Turner nor Dax Hill under contract beyond 2026, might have made more sense.
Then again, it would make even more sense if the Bengals were picking at No. 32 instead of No. 15.
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