Last week, we put out a mock draft that saw the Cincinnati Bengals trade up into the top five. This week, we’ll flip the script and experiment with a trade down in the first round.
In this case, the Bengals end up swinging a deal with the Detroit Lions to trade down to No. 17 and pick up a second-round pick, No. 50 overall, in the process. That would give the Bengals two picks in round two (Nos. 41 and 50).
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For this mock, we are using the new simulator from A to Z Sports and going four rounds.
No. 17 (projected trade with Detroit Lions) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Bengals do give up some of the top options by trading down, but still land one of the better cornerback prospects in this class in Avieon Terrell. The last name should sound familiar. He is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.
Terrell had nine passes defended and five forced fumbles in 2025 for the Tigers. Great ball control and speed (4.39 40) and would slot right in as a Day One starter on the outside. He has been compared at times to one Charles “Peanut” Tillman. Terrell may not be the biggest player (5-11, 186) but his ability to stick with routes and find the football are very impressive.
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No. 41 – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
With the Bengals’ original second-round pick, the Bengals grab their inside linebacker in Anthony Hill. Hill provides excellent sideline-to-sideline range, strong downhill tackling ability and the ability to move around and take on multiple roles.
The Bengals have been trying hard to add to the linebacker room this offseason, to no avail. It’s very likely one will be taken early in the draft. If it’s not Sonny Styles in round one, look for Hill or perhaps Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech as potential options.
No. 50 (from DET) – Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
With the pick acquired from Detroit, the Bengals add to their pass-rush help. Jacas has seen work all along the defensive line, particularly while he was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. He brings very good size on the edge at 6-4, 260 (he is in the 98th percentile in weight among edge defenders) and compiled 27 sacks across his four seasons. He has room to develop as a run defender, but he can bring immediate value rushing the passer and would give Al Golden flexibility up front to move him around.
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No. 72 – Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
The Bengals continue to dip into the defensive line pool. Orange gives the Bengals a stout run defender in the middle and would give Hill plenty of room to move around, adding value to him already being able to fly around the field. If Orange can keep a player like Hill free and give him clean reads, the Bengals immediately become a better run-defending team.
No. 110 – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
This is a name that we’ve touched on quite a bit lately in mock drafts, but the fit makes a ton of sense. Hecht can develop for a year behind Ted Karras and eventually take over at the center position. Hecht was named First-Team All-Big 12 in 2025. Hecht has some of the best technique among the centers in this class, has very good hand usage and packs plenty of power in his punches. Joe Burrow will be happy with his protection and Chase Brown will be happy with his run-blocking ability.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals mock draft, trade down edition