Bengals Beat: 20 Players To Watch, Which Players Would Help The Bengals The Most In First 2 Rounds of 2026 NFL Draft

CINCINNATI — The Bengals enter the 2026 NFL Draft looking for a group of players that can step in and immediately help them return to the the top of the AFC North and make a return trip to the Super Bowl.

This draft has the unique potential of adding an immediate defensive impact player when the Bengals draft at No. 10 overall. And barring an upset, that’s exactly what they’ll do.

The Bengals’ needs entering the offseason were at safety, nickel corner, edge, defensive tackle and linebacker depth. In other words, all over the defense. So far in free agency, they’ve added two safeties (Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger), a nickel corner (Ja’Sir Taylor), an edge (Boye Mafe) and a tackle (Jonathan Allen).

The Bengals are in luck to the degree that their biggest needs coincide with one of the deepest recent drafts for defensive talent in the first and second rounds.

They still could use tackle depth behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims and another interior offensive lineman for depth behind Dylan Fairchild and Dalton Risner. And with the release Tuesday of 2024 seventh rounder Matt Lee, they could use another body behind Ted Karras.

The Bengals have eight picks overall over the three days.
Rd. 1: No. 10 (overall)
Rd. 2: No. 41
Rd. 3: No. 72
Rd. 4: No. 110
Rd. 6: No. 189
Rd. 6: No. 199
Rd. 7: No. 221
Rd. 7: No. 226

There’s rightfully a lot of focus and attention on the first-round pick because most teams select that player based on the projection that he will come in and immediately be a productive part of the offense or defense. That has not been the case in four of the last five first-round picks with the Bengals, which is a problem. They cannot afford to have the same deficiency this year. The player taken at No. 10 (and no, I do not believe they are trading up or down from this spot simply because they almost NEVER do) must come in and be an immediate contributor. It is this deficiency that Andrew Whitworth criticized about the Bengals’ front office in a recent interview with the Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway.

Based on the likelihood they’re available, the corresponding need of the Bengals and the potential they have to immediately contribute, here’s a rundown of several names of players that could be on the Bengals radar starting with their first-round pick on April 23.

No Brainers if on the board:

Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): Widely regarded as the best defensive player in college football. A versatile safety with outstanding instincts, he excels in coverage and downhill run support. While lacking “wow” physical traits, his elite football IQ provides an exceptionally high floor and All-Pro potential. Has been compared to Ed Reed for his instincts.

Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State): A tall, rangy defender who transitioned smoothly from safety to linebacker. He is an attacking player with excellent lateral range and anticipation. Styles is elite in coverage against tight ends and an explosive blitzer, drawing comparisons to NFL star Fred Warner. Best all-around linebacker on the market and would immediately challenge Demetrius Knight Jr. His ability to play all over means Golden could play him on the line or on the second level.

Arvell Reese (Edge/LB, Ohio State): An elite athlete with exceptional strength and “Micah Parsons-type” potential. He is a versatile chess piece who can align off-the-ball or as a rusher. His game is defined by violent hands, rare speed, and great burst, though his coverage skills remain developing. Highly unlikely to be available.

Rueben Bain Jr. (Edge, Miami): A thick, powerful rusher whose game tape is defined by dominance and disruption. Despite a lack of ideal arm length, he wins with leverage, polish, and unrelenting effort. He recorded 71 pressures in 2025, consistently taking over big games with his strength. There exists a world where he comes in and battles for a starting edge position on a team in desperate need of playmakers on defense. Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart are the incumbents but there’s nothing wrong with inserting Bain into that mix.

David Bailey (Edge, Texas Tech): An ultra-explosive pass rusher whose game is defined by elite get-off and twitch. He recorded 14.5 sacks last season, utilizing a dip-and-rip move to flatten to the passer. While he needs more consistency against the run, his sack-generation upside is significant. Many scouts see this as the closest clone to Trey Hendrickson on the board.

Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU): A long, fluid outside corner with elite shutdown potential. He is adept at press-man coverage, possessing the instincts and awareness to mirror top receivers. Last season, he allowed only 10 completions and 119 yards, showing a rare ability to erase passing lanes. Adding him to the mix could give defensive coordinator Al Golden some intriguing possibilities in terms of possibly moving Hill inside to nickel corner.

Almost certain to contribute immediately:

Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee): A physical outside corner with smooth movement and elite ball skills. Though he missed the 2025 season due to an ACL tear, his 2024 tape was dominant. He excels in press coverage, using a powerful jam to mirror receivers and set traps.

Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): A tall, sure-handed wideout and the next star in the Ohio State pipeline. He is an elite route runner with strong hands in traffic and the speed to impact the vertical game. Tate is highly reliable, recording just one drop last season. Another explosive weapon for Joe Burrow is always on the radar. Competition here for Andrei Iosivas. This is a dark horse pick if he’s on the board. Again, the six no-brainers would all have to be off the board. The reason for taking him would be the incredible stress it would create on defenses and it would also provide an immediate insurance policy should either Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins go down with injury.

Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): Visited with the Bengals on Monday. A dynamic three-down weapon with rare home-run speed, evidenced by multiple touchdown runs exceeding 90 yards. He is an elite natural runner and receiver who can run routes like a wideout. His vision, electric spin move, and playmaking mentality make him a top-tier back. Unlikely to be available but if he is AND all of the above are off the board, then taking the best player available (assuming you don’t trade down – see above) is always sound strategy.

Can’t go wrong:

Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami): A massive, powerful right tackle who allowed only two sacks during Miami’s title run. He is a dominant run blocker with a firm base and strong hands to control defenders. Though his ceiling is limited by average length, he is a plug-and-play NFL starter. Bengals have one of these in Amarius Mims. Having another would offer great depth and provide someone who could step in for either tackle. Also, he could be a powerful third tackle, could give the short yardage game more power.

Spencer Fano (OT/G, Utah): A highly competitive blocker with elite quickness and five-position versatility. He is considered the “safest pick” in the class due to his consistent production and toughness. They have one of these in Dylan Fairchild. Having another wouldn’t be a bad thing. While his lack of length may push him inside to guard, he is an explosive people mover. Great for the run game.

Peter Woods (DT, Clemson): Highly explosive first step; despite lower 2025 production, viewed as a top-15/20 overall talent.

If they’re there at 41:

Caleb Banks (DT, Florida): Massive “unicorn” frame (6’6″, 330 lbs) with rare athleticism but raw technical refinement.

Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State): Elite run defender who posted a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade; prototypical NFL nose tackle.

Christen Miller (DT, Georgia): Strong, twitchy defender who helped Georgia rank No. 4 against the run in 2025.

Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech): High-motor veteran with 10+ TFLs per year; recognized for surprising lateral agility for 320+ lbs.

Keldric Faulk (Edge, Auburn): Massive frame (6’6″, 276 lbs) and elite run-defending strength.

Akheem Mesidor (Edge, Miami): Polished veteran technician; recorded 12.5 sacks in 2025.

T.J. Parker (Edge, Clemson): Rugged, powerful edge setter with a high motor.

Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati): Rangy defender with intriguing length; projected as an early second-round talent. His ability to handle the green signal-calling dot doesn’t hurt.