Bengals Beat: Looking To Load Up On Corner, Linebacker, Edge, Offensive Line With 7 Picks: Here’s What Bengals Still Need To Address

CINCINNATI — Now, for the final act.

The Bengals entered the offseason roster building process with a clear mandate to overhaul a defense that struggled with missed tackles and run containment throughout the 2025 season. Having already made a blockbuster trade—sending the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the front office has signaled an “all-in” approach for quarterback Joe Burrow’s prime years.

The working assumption is the Bengals will be observers on Day 1 with no first-round pick. John Schneider, GM of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, has indicated a willingness to trade out of the first round with the No. 32 pick. But unless there’s a corner or linebacker the Bengals have their hearts set on, there’s no reason to give up further draft capital to move back into the first round. Assuming the Bengals are Without a first-round pick, the draft effectively begins at No. 41 in the second round. The strategy must focus on finding immediate defensive starters while adding developmental depth to an aging interior offensive line.

Primary Draft Needs

Linebacker: This is widely considered the most pressing hole following the retirement of veteran leader Logan Wilson. The current room relies on young players like Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., necessitating a “quarterback of the defense” who can provide both stability and blitzing upside.
Cornerback: Long-term depth is a major concern, particularly for the nickel/slot position. With DJ Turner II entering a contract year and Dax Hill having moved to corner, adding a versatile defender who can play multiple roles in the secondary is critical.

Edge Rusher: Despite signing Boye Mafe in free agency, the loss of Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai leaves a significant void in consistent pass-rush pressure. The Bengals need explosive youth to rotate with Mafe and Myles Murphy.

Interior Offensive Line (G/C): While Ted Karras remains a leader at center, he is entering his age-33 season and the final year of his contract. The recent release of backup Matt Lee further exposes a lack of depth behind starters like Dalton Risner and Dylan Fairchild.

Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft

Rd. 2 (41) Keionte Scott CB Miami An ideal slot/nickel specialist who is exceptional against the run—a key weakness for Cincy in 2025. He can challenge for the starting nickel role immediately.
Rd. 3 (72) Jake Golday LB Cincinnati Al Golden wants a linebacker who can cover and blitz and play on the first two levels of the defense. Golday still needs refinement but his size (6-4, 236 lbs), speed (4.62 40) and ascending skill, along with his leadership and intelligence, are very promising. He projects as an immediate special teamer who can compete for defensive snaps during his rookie year.
Rd. 4 (110) Zion Young Edge Missouri A powerful 6’6″ rusher with 33″ arms who led Missouri in tackles for loss. He provides a physical three-down presence to complement the more twitchy Myles Murphy.
Rd. 6 (189) Pat Coogan C/G Indiana Provides necessary interior depth at both guard and center. As Ted Karras enters his final contract year, Coogan serves as a developmental successor.
Rd. 6 (199) Caleb Tiernan OT/G Northwestern A massive “swing tackle” prospect who can slide inside to guard. His versatility makes him an ideal backup for Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims.
Rd. 7 (221) Billy Schrauth G Notre Dame A heavy-handed guard who fits the Bengals’ recent trend of drafting physical, “mean” interior blockers.
Rd. 7 (226) Domani Jackson CB Alabama A developmental traits-based pick for the perimeter. Jackson adds size and athletic upside to the bottom of the cornerback depth chart.

Day 3 Strategy: Filling the Trenches

The latter rounds emphasize the Bengals’ historical preference for versatile offensive linemen. By targeting players like Pat Coogan or Caleb Tiernan in Round 6, the team secures “plug-and-play” insurance for an interior that will likely see significant turnover in 2027.