FlurrySports projects three possible Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft targets with the 10th overall pick, including Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr.
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It was once again a disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals, as injuries to Joe Burrow and the lack of production on the defensive side of the ball paved the way for another missed postseason. As it has felt the last few seasons, it seems like the 2026 offseason is a major piece to the future of this Cincinnati team. Burrow is not getting any younger, and with a large portion of their money locked up between Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati needs to find young, cheap starters who can make an immediate impact for the team.
Coming into the draft, it appears that Cincinnati’s biggest needs are the same as they always are: offensive line help and defensive playmakers. With the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals’ draft strategy will have a few options to help fill those vacancies, as Cincinnati is still chasing the high of making it to the Super Bowl five seasons ago.
Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft Targets at No. 10
Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
While Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy are strong young pieces to have at the edges, Cincinnati would be dumb to pass up on Rueben Bain, who looks like one of the best pass rushers in this entire draft. With Trey Hendrickson out the door, bringing in Bain is the perfect player to come in and replace the four-time Pro Bowler. In the AFC North, where games get physical and nasty, Bain seems like he would be right at home, as he is not afraid to initiate contact and lay big hits whenever he gets the chance.
Playing with the physical attributes of an interior defensive lineman on the edge, Bain’s ability to affect both the run and the pass game makes him an easy option and someone that Cincinnati can start to rebuild their defense around.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
If Caleb Downs is available at the 10th pick, it would be extremely difficult for Cincinnati to say no. Outside of Jeremiyah Love, Downs is probably the best overall player in this draft, but given positional value, he will not be drafted as such. Look at Kyle Hamilton. Coming into the 2022 NFL Draft, Hamilton was obviously a top-three player in the draft, but went 14th to the Ravens. Safety just appears to be one of those positions where you can always get someone else. But with Downs, he would be the perfect fit to come in and help rebuild this Bengals defense.
The Bengals have several holes to fill on defense, so bringing in Downs, who lines up all over the defense, would be an easy remedy for the time being. Downs’ physicality, partnered with his skill of finding the ball carrier, would bring an interesting skillset for the Bengals to take advantage of.
Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
Vega Ioane is not the sexiest player in the draft by any means, but given what the Bengals need, he may be the perfect player for them. Cincinnati needs immediate help at the guard spot, as in a division with Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore, Dylan Fairchild and Dalton Risner are just not going to cut it. That is where Ioane comes in. In a draft loaded with strong offensive linemen, Ioane is the best true guard. At 6-4, 328 lbs, Ioane has great size and movement to start immediately. We know that the Bengals are at their best when Chase Brown and the run game get going, so bringing in Ioane, who has a great first punch, will be paramount for keeping defenders off of Burrow and for Cincinnati to establish an early run game.
This is not a pick Bengals fans would love, given what they have done in recent NFL Drafts, but a pick that Cincinnati needs to seriously consider if they want to keep marching forward with their current group.
