Breaking down the Cincinnati Bengals draft picks, team needs and 2026 NFL mock draft projections, including CJ Allen.
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The Cincinnati Bengals’ hopes for last season effectively went up in smoke when Joe Burrow sustained a turf toe injury. Even before that, though, it was clear the defense was nowhere close to being a serious unit.
After allowing 492 points in 2025 — the third-most in the league — fixing the defense once again became the top priority this offseason for de facto GM Duke Tobin. The process began in free agency, and continued with the team’s pre-draft trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. With no first-round pick following the Lawrence trade, the Bengals find themselves in a position where they must make the most of their remaining selections.
Of course, the other elephant in the room — or jungle — is the team’s questionable coaching. For now, Zac Taylor remains in charge, with the team seemingly hoping for a better outcome in 2026.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft picks, team needs and second-round mock drafts.
Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 41 | |
| 3 | 72 | |
| 4 | 110 | |
| 6 | 189 | |
| 6 | 199 | via DET |
| 7 | 221 | via NYG |
| 7 | 226 |
Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Needs
Linebacker
Given that the Bengals got poor play from a pair of rookies last season, it’s somewhat surprising that the linebacker unit went completely untouched in free agency. While the team could add a veteran closer to the season, using an early pick to add alongside Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter is an option that is fully on the table. From a personnel standpoint, this stands out as one of the biggest question marks on the roster entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cornerback
If the Bengals are going to work on fixing their pass rush, they might as well address the back end as well. Cincinnati ranked near the bottom of the league in numerous key metrics against the pass last season. Dax Hill and DJ Turner return in 2026, but the former would be better suited in the slot provided that an additional outside option can be acquired. With attention already given to the defensive front, the secondary emerges as an area of greater focus.
Wide Receiver
This might seem like a weird need to prioritize for the Cincinnati Bengals draft picks given that Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two of the best in the game today. However, the cupboard is pretty bare behind them. The Bengals could stand to upgrade from Andrei Iosivas as their third/primary slot option. With Higgins regularly missing games each season due to injuries, finding additional pass-catcher depth in the draft would be ideal.
Other Bengals Draft Needs
- EDGE
- Offensive Line
- Safety
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Bengals to approach their first draft pick.
Bengals Mock Drafts | Second-Round Picks
Here are three of the latest Cincinnati Bengals mock drafts for the second round from ESPN, CBS, and NFL Network. Who do draft pundits think the Bengals will select with their first selection at No. 41 overall?
No. 41 | Bengals NFL Draft Pick
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia | ESPN
Although he may not be the flashiest prospect, CJ Allen brings steady production and proven leadership traits with him to the next level. His technique and reliability as a tackler are among the best in this year’s draft class. However, a lack of athleticism limits his effectiveness in pass coverage, an area that the Bengals really need to improve at the position.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech | CBS
Jacob Rodriguez took home multiple awards this past season as one of the most productive college linebackers in the country. He plays with a high motor and urgency on every snap, sometimes to his own detriment. However, his vision and instincts in pass coverage can often resemble those of a defensive back. His strength in this area would offer a major boost to the Bengals’ defense.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo | NFL Network
With many of the latest NFL mock drafts projecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to be drafted in the latter part of the first-round, expecting him to be available for the Bengals in Round 2 may be a stretch. If he is, he would give Cincinnati a big-bodied and rangy player to round out the back end of the defense. He gets off of blocks well in run defense and displays solid anticipation in pass coverage.
