The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April, and the Bengals will have the 10th pick in the first round. We've rounded up the latest projections from media outlets across the league to give you a look at who could be joining the Bengals this year.
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
"Adding a multi-faceted playmaker to the lineup would go a long way to boosting this unit, and Downs is a high-IQ defender who excels near the box or in the deep half as a playmaking specialist."
"Caleb Downs is a high-IQ leader who excels in both phases. He can erase tight ends, play in the box as a run stuffer and is an excellent tackler in space."
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
"Woods experienced a down season in 2025, but he earned PFF grades above 83.0 in each of the two prior years."
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
"McCoy missed the 2025 season due to injury, but his 2024 tape was outstanding. He's squarely in the mix to be the top CB in the draft."
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
"You couldn't find a more productive pass rusher in the FBS than Bailey in 2025."
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
"Delane had 45 tackles with two interceptions and 11 passes broken up in 2025. Delane is an instinctive defender with a quality skill set for the next level."
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
"Faulk, one of the youngest prospects in the class, is a freaky talent at 6 feet 6 and 285 pounds."
"Faulk not only fills a need but also has the ceiling to become the best of the young Cincy's edges in time."
