CINCINNATI — Opportunity abounds as the Bengals get ready to debut in the 2026 NFL draft.
After taking a bye on Day 1 thanks to trading away their No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals will make their first pick on Day 2. Barring a trade up or a move back, the Bengals will make the ninth selection on the second day and could likely have their pick of players who could fill valuable roles on the defense.
The front office has essentially swapped a rookie prospect for a proven veteran anchor. This move leaves the Bengals with two critical selections on Friday night: No. 41 (Round 2) and No. 72 (Round 3).
The strategy for Day 2 is clear: leverage the gravity of Lawrence in the middle to revitalize a secondary and linebacker corps that struggled with consistency in 2025.
While the team is still high on linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., the defense could absolutely use a dynamic linebacker who is reliable in blitz and drop (pass) coverage packages. Carter is more of a prototypical middle linebacker but not the dynamic all-over-the-field type that could be an immediate playmaker. Here are three who could still be on the board nine picks into the second day.
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech): Widely regarded as the Bengals’ top realistic target at 41, Rodriguez is a “turnover machine” who recorded 128 tackles and forced 7 fumbles in 2025. Cincinnati native Luke Kuechly reportedly named Rodriguez his top linebacker in this class.
C.J. Allen (Georgia): A high-floor alternative if Rodriguez is off the board. Allen is a first-team All-American with elite leadership traits, having served as a captain for the Bulldogs.
Jake Golday (Cincinnati): A local prospect and “converted edge” with the size and blitzing versatility the Bengals’ coaching staff has historically favored. If the team trades back from 41, Golday becomes a primary target in the late second or early third round.
If the Bengals decide that adding to the cornerbacks room is a priority, with DJ Turner II nearing a contract year, Dax Hill due for an extension, and the need for inside-outside versatility, the Bengals could certainly go in that direction in the second round. Here are four to keep an eye on.
Brandon Cisse (South Carolina): Viewed as one of the most athletic defensive backs in the class, Cisse has “blazing speed” (4.41 40-yard dash) and the length the Bengals prioritize for perimeter coverage.
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee): A “wild card” prospect with top-10 talent who may fall to 41 due to medical concerns regarding his knee. If Cincy is comfortable with his medicals, he represents a potential “steal”.
Avieon Terrell (Clemson): A versatile corner who can play both nickel and outside, Terrell has been frequently linked to the Bengals as a high-floor rotational piece.
D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana): Only 5-8 and 182 pounds, Ponds reminds many of Mike Hilton, a prototypical nickel who offsets his size with top-tier speed, instincts and competitive toughness. Scouts love his play style and see him as a versatile inside-outside NFL starter.
While the starting lineup is largely set, the Bengals need developmental depth to guard against aging veterans on both sides of the ball.
Zion Young (Edge, Missouri): At 6’6″ and 262 lbs, Young is a powerful run defender who could serve as a third-round replacement for Joseph Ossai. He recorded 16.5 tackles for loss in the SEC last season.
Caleb Tiernan (OT, Northwestern): Considered the top available tackle entering Day 2, Tiernan is well-known to the Bengals’ front office via former scout Christian Sarkisian.
Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State): Despite the Lawrence trade, the Bengals could double-dip at defensive tackle if McDonald falls. His presence would allow the team to release T.J. Slaton for $6.6 million in cap savings.
Jacob Rodriguez 41 LB Turnover Specialist
Brandon Cisse 41-72 CB Elite Speed (4.41)
Zion Young 72 Edge Massive Frame (6’6″)
Jake Golday 72 LB Local Product / Blitzer
Expect the Bengals to prioritize Jacob Rodriguez or Brandon Cisse at No. 41 to ensure their revamped defense has a young, athletic core to complement Dexter Lawrence.
