2026 Draft Talking Points

[ArmyBengal]

I would take Bain in that instance with little thought regardless of how much I like Downs. There are other safeties in the draft that would not disappoint me.

[ArmyBengal]

Way to early to put much stock in rankings for the 2026 draft, let alone actually doing a mock draft.
However, THAT SHIT WON'T STOP ME !!!  Chances of this coming to fruition are probably less than 1%, but enjoy.

1st.  Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
I have no idea how the hell he falls to #10, but this would be a no brainer.  Just take the BPA and smile Bengals.
2nd.  Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
A big CB that fell slightly and I was more than happy to see him on the board.
3rd.  Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
Big, physical, productive safety from a winning program with an awesome defense.  Yes please.
4th.  Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Prototype NT known for his "relentless motor".  Sounds good to me.
6th.  Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
Seasoned LT for an o-line that has a ton of success, but is built like a guard.  Swing guy maybe?
6th.  Romello Height, DE, Texas Tech
Has many snaps as a rush linebacker, as well as DE.  Not typically sized, but a productive pass rush guy.
7th.  Forgot we had a 7th......  Practice squad candidate

Honestly I would love damn near everything about that draft.
The players, the positions, the projections to the league, but it's VERY much whatever.
Just having some fun and giving me something else to consider.

[TJJackson]

I'd rather have a new OLT early than 2 DBs

GIMME A LINEMAN

[ArmyBengal]

Give me all defensive picks for all I care but that has to be fixed. The oline has been improved this season.

[TJJackson]

a top priority in this offseason if I am running the show is a bigger corner who can cover the tight end

if that player isnt in the draft, this should be a priority FA signing

get one in each, optimally

[HoosierCat]

With all the non-playoff spots set, here's a roundup of post-week 18 mocks:

McShay:

10. Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Bain’s production dipped for a few games in the middle of the year, but watching him over the past month (especially in the first two rounds of the CFP) has reminded NFL teams of how impactful this dude could be at the next level. Yes, he has short arms. And yes, some scouts have mentioned a 3-technique role as an option in the NFL. But there aren’t many more disruptive and impactful defensive players in the country. His 8.5 sacks this season ranks tied for 23rd in the FBS, so we’re not talking about marginal sack production. Furthermore, he ranks third (minimum 100 pass-rush snaps) among P4 edge rushers with a 23.7 pass-rush win rate.

https://mcshay-report.beehiiv.com/p/mock-draft-1-0-let-the-great-qb-debate-begin

Baumgardner:

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Woods’ body of work is still impressive enough to discuss him this high up the board, although I’d understand if some are nervous about him after his rather average 2025 campaign. When he’s right, though, Woods has athletic ability worthy of top-five consideration.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6939289/2026/01/05/nfl-mock-draft-2026-fernando-mendoza-dante-moore/

Renner:

10. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs is the reliable secondary player the Bengals desperately need. He's not only assignment-sure in coverage but also rarely misses tackles.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renner-2026-nfl-mock-draft-top-18-pics-set-trades-expected-weak-class/

USA Today:

10. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

A two-time unanimous All-American and Thorpe Award winner, Downs accomplished nearly everything imaginable for a collegiate defensive back. While some franchises might be reticent to take a safety in the top 10, the do-everything defender shouldn't be reduced to his positional label.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/04/nfl-mock-draft-2026-first-round-order-projection/88006263007/

TDN:

10. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cincinnati Bengals once again had a lost season due to Joe Burrow being injured, which was followed up by some interesting comments from Burrow. I think the front office should take what Burrow had to say seriously and look to continue to invest in key positions or risk losing their quarterback. With the front office feeling the pressure, they decide to draft OT Spencer Fano. Fano is an athletic offensive lineman who thrives in pass protection, which is exactly what the Bengals and Burrow need.

https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/04/nfl-mock-draft-2026-january-5

Bleacher Report:

10. Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Instead of hoping Murphy and Stewart will develop into dynamic bookends, the Bengals can simply draft the 2026 class' most natural pass-rusher, David Bailey. "There aren't many, if any, pass-rushers in this year's draft class who have a deeper bag of moves that they can win with than Bailey," Holder said. "He does need some work against the run, but any team that has struggled putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks should be interested in the Texas Tech product."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25346393-br-nfl-scouting-depts-post-regular-season-2026-nfl-mock-draft

PFF:

10. DT KAYDEN McDONALD, OHIO STATE

Cincinnati finished dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed this season, surrendering nearly 150 yards per game on the ground. Adding Kayden McDonald would go a long way toward fixing that issue. The Ohio State interior defender earned a dominant 92.1 PFF run-defense grade and posted an elite 31.2% run-stop rate, giving the Bengals a true anchor in the middle of their defensive line. There’s a scenario where Cincinnati could trade down and still land McDonald, but with the board finalized and no trades in this mock, addressing their biggest weakness directly made the most sense.

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-post-week-18-mock-draft-raiders-fernando-mendoza-no-1-overall-commanders-caleb-downs

 

[ArmyBengal]

Dude I’m all about my Buckeyes but if they take McDonald at #10 my TV will NOT survive the day.

2nd round? Absolutely.

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, that's a weird one. PFF can get hung up on its own numbers sometimes.

Here's Reid from espn:

10. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*

A safety hasn't been picked in the top 10 since the Jets took Jamal Adams with the No. 6 pick in the 2017 draft, but Downs is one of the three best players in this year's class. His versatility, sure tackling and instincts would eliminate a lot of the problems that Cincinnati had on the back end this season, as coordinator Al Golden's defense gave up a league-high 6.2 yards per play. By contrast, Downs allowed only 3.6 yards per passing attempt into his coverage this season (11th lowest in the FBS). With Geno Stone set to be an unrestricted free agent, Downs could slot into the Bengals' secondary nicely.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47503334/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-jordan-reid

Downs seems to be emerging as the consensus choice. I am all for it, but I don't think he will be there.

[ArmyBengal]

I don’t expect Downs to be there at 10 either but I can hope. He’s been my guy to pimp for a while now. Get an impact CB in the 2nd and a front 4 guy with pass rushing chops in the 3rd. Unless they bring in a free agent, then feel free to change it up.

[HoosierCat]

1 hour ago, ArmyBengal said:

I don’t expect Downs to be there at 10 either but I can hope. He’s been my guy to pimp for a while now. Get an impact CB in the 2nd and a front 4 guy with pass rushing chops in the 3rd. Unless they bring in a free agent, then feel free to change it up.

Nah I think we are on the same general wavelength. I would consider OL in the third, think swing tackle, maybe can play G in a pinch. Basically anything to get Cody Ford off the team.

[HoosierCat]

Good news for us.

Quote

Alabama's Ty Simpson, who is projected to be among the first quarterbacks selected in this year's NFL draft, is passing up his senior year of college and turning pro.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Ty Simpson as the third-best quarterback eligible for the draft, behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Oregon's Dante Moore, who haven't yet declared.

Every QB who goes in the top 9 pushes one more guy our way.

[ArmyBengal]

Yes agree wholeheartedly !!

[HoosierCat]

From McShay’s beehiiv newsletter today:

Quote

As far as Simpson’s ideal landing spots in the first round, I think the Dolphins at 12 and the Rams—either at 13 or with their second first-round pick—make the most sense. Mike McDaniel (assuming he gets another year) and Sean McVay are proven commodities when it comes to quarterback development, and they both could have a need at the position next season. 

If so it could put the Bengals in a good position to trade down a couple picks.

[HoosierCat]

Mel has updated his big board.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46573669/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions

Here are his rankings at the three positions I think it's most likely the Bengals will consider at 10:

Offensive tackles

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
2. Spencer Fano, Utah
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Trevor Goosby, Texas
6. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
7. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
8. Isaiah World, Oregon
9. Carter Smith, Indiana
10. Brian Parker II, Duke

I don't really think they will go OT at 10, but OBj is in the last year of his deal and we've seen them pull the "draft his replacement a year early" thing at LT before. I am sure the FO desperately does not want to shell out yet another big-money deal on offense right now, and I honestly can't say they are wrong. The big issue is that the first pure LT on that list is Proctor and 10 seems way too high for him. If they were to trade down I think he becomes a more likely target. Of course, this is the team that took Levi Jones too early too, so...

Defensive ends

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
3. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
4. Zion Young, Missouri
5. Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
6. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
7. Caden Curry, Ohio State
8. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State
9. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
10. LT Overton, Alabama

If Bain is still there at 10 he should be the pick. Spoiler: he won't be. The Bengals already have two first round picks at DE they are trying to develop and will likely address the position in FA as well (if only by re-signing Ossai). I wouldn't rule anything out but I don't believe they are eager to pick their third first round DE in four years.

Cornerbacks

1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Mansoor Delane, LSU
3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
4. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
5. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
6. Colton Hood, Tennessee
7. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
8. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)
9. Julian Neal, Arkansas
10. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State

Note that I do think they would consider Downs at 10 even though he plays safety, a position they traditionally do not value as worth a first round pick, but he won't be there, so...

When it comes to picking defensive players in the first round, the Bengals' preference is for corners. Since the beginning of this century they have selected 11 defensive players in the first round, 6 of whom were DBs. Four were DEs, and one was Keith Rivers (and yes if Reese is there I am running to the podium, but he won't be either, so...). The only question here is whether they are comfortable with McCoy coming off injury. If so, he's the pick, if not, go to Delane.

[TJJackson]

I'd be ok with a 3TDT or a OLT 

less so with a safety, lb, or cb

not interested in a DE, at least not early, unless Ossai walks in FA

[HoosierCat]

Last time they took a DT in the first round was Big Daddy in 1994, and we all know how that worked out.

As far as a 3 tech is concerned, that was what they were doing with Stewart a lot in the last few games. He showed some flashes there, so I suspect that will continue next season.

[ArmyBengal]

They need to take defense with damn near every pick.  They could literally address every defensive position and not be wrong.
Granted they could pick a turd, but what defensive spot doesn't need addressed?

If you look at this years and next years free agents from that side of the ball, that's a lot of guys.
With all the money dumped into the offensive side of things, they can't (and shouldn't) pay some of those guys.

Free agency will be interesting and should be telling.

[HoosierCat]

IMHO, tackle is the only offensive position in play in the first. If they are going to take one with an eye toward replacing OBj, it will be then or round 2.

Defense should definitely get the lion's share of the selections outside of that.

One thing I'll be watching is what they do about QB2. Browning's time is clearly up and Flacco seems to want one more shot at starting. Assuming he doesn't end up returning (which honestly might be best for all concerned) that means they either sign a veteran backup with starting experience, or spend a relatively high pick (third?) on a quality prospect to develop. I love Joe Burrow but given his injury history it would be foolish to go into next season without a viable backup.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm good with Flacco returning and having snaps with the offense all through training camp.
If they bring him back, I'd still be ok with another guy later.

OT?  I've actually taken some in my mocks, as it just made more sense instead of reaching.
I would be ok with that as well.  Just make it make sense.

[TJJackson]

12 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Last time they took a DT in the first round was Big Daddy in 1994, and we all know how that worked out.

thy are due, then

karma and all

[HoosierCat]

It all comes down to money, Traditionally the Bengals have addressed DT in free agency because, again traditionally, it's been less expensive than positions like DE or cornerback. John Thornton, DJ Reader, BJ Hill, O-gun, Sheldon Rankins, TJ Slaton, etc. Conversely they target high picks on corners and edge guys because rookies are cheap and those positions have always commanded premium FA dollars.

Buuuuut that's been changing. For example, per OTC the estimated 2026 franchise tag for DT is $25.6 million, versus $26 million for DE. Linebacker is $27 million, while corner is "just" $20.8 million and safety $20.3 million.

Question is, has this change penetrated our hidebound FO? I would guess yes since money is everything to The Family. If so that would put DT on the draft table in a way it hasn't been since the 90s. FA will provide us with a clue -- do they chase defensive back or d-line there? All we can do is wait and see.

[ArmyBengal]

I look at the players thought to be around the vicinity of our picks and I think they should have multiple options.
This is why it simply makes more sense to lose games at the end of the year.
I know teams and organizations aren't really built for the tank, but there is no joy in the dead cat bounce.  NONE.

[HoosierCat]

On 1/7/2026 at 11:51 AM, HoosierCat said:

Good news for us.

Every QB who goes in the top 9 pushes one more guy our way.

…and Moore goes back to Oregon. Oh well.

[ArmyBengal]

I just saw that as well.

He probably needed to go back, but sucks for us.

[HoosierCat]

East-West Shrine Bowl is coming up fast (Jan. 27). Participating players were announced today. Edholm has some highlights at nfl.com.

https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-east-west-shrine-bowl-roster-reveal-three-things-you-need-to-know

Lots of shiny new defensive prospects expected.

Quote

2) Defensive heavyweights

Mirroring the 2026 NFL Draft as a whole, the Shrine Bowl features a wealth of talent on the defensive line -- both inside and out, Galko said.

Galko name-checked the Texas A&M duo of Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim, Florida State's Darrell Jackson Jr. and Clemson's DeMonte Capehart as some of the stronger DL prospects at this year's Shrine Bowl, with multiple prospects from that position showing the potential to be top-100 picks.

But there are two well-known linebacker prospects who might go even higher.

Cincinnati's Jake Golday and LSU's Harold Perkins Jr. might end up as two of the first players drafted from this year's game.

Golday possesses a pro-ready frame and he's able to help NFL teams in a variety of ways: blitzing the A-gap, rushing around the edge, stopping the run from off the ball and dropping back into zones. Galko believes Golday will have an earnest shot at cracking Round 1, with the top 50 as his floor.

"I think we've got a handful of guys that could be first-round picks," Galko said. "I think Golday is one of the 30 best players in this class. ... Teams are oftentimes now not maybe valuing linebacker the same way they used to, but having a guy like Golday who can do all those things, he's a really special, special player."

A former five-star recruit, Perkins earned early attention with the Tigers his first two seasons but appeared less impactful his final two. He was moved around on LSU's defense -- as both a rush end and an off-the-ball linebacker -- and wasn't always used the way NFL teams might deploy him. Galko believes Perkins can distinguish himself at the Shrine Bowl.

"Shrine Bowl week, you'll see him dropping coverage," Galko said. "You'll see him match up against tight ends as a Sam linebacker in coverage. And then you'll see him rush the edge as a two-down edge rusher as well, too. I know he'll show NFL teams like, hey, this is the same elite talent that you saw earlier in his career."

Other LB prospects Galko mentioned as possible standouts include Michigan's Jimmy Rolder, Utah's Lander Barton, USC's Eric Gentry and Texas A&M's Taurean York, an undersized demon in the mold of the 49ers' Eric Kendricks.

"I mean, just ignore the height," Galko said of York. "He's one of those outliers."