The Cincinnati Bengals’ season is over, so coaches and players are cleaning out lockers, having year-end discussions, and planning vacations. Of course, for the front office, now is the busy season. Who will the team retain? Who will they target in free agency? What about the draft? For the tiny scouting department in Cincinnati, this is about as spread thin as things can be. Add in the fact that de facto GM Duke Tobin isn’t even the one who negotiates deals. However, it’s time to take a way-too-early look at the 2026 NFL Draft.
After falling to the Browns in Week 18, the Bengals’ range for picks was anywhere between eight and ten. After the Saints and Chiefs also lost, the Bengals were slotted with the 10th-overall pick. Now, fans get to stress over the Chiefs picking one spot ahead, presumably ready to poach any player the fans have their hearts set on.
Of course, at 10th overall, the Bengals are in a good spot. There are plenty of great defenders worthy of the pick, plus an expectation that two or three quarterbacks will be taken. The board is very likely going to fall nicely for the Bengals. Who are the way-too-early targets? Here are five.