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
"Downs is just a football player, man; a safety/nickelback/de facto linebacker, he plays with incredible anticipation in coverage and has a knack for always being around the ball in run support."
"Downs is at worst the third-best prospect in this class, the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton. He's a force multiplier on the back end who can do it all."
"Downs has a sixth sense with everything developing in front of him, but can also match up down the field against opposing tight ends. He's a top five player in this draft and not one to overthink."
"He could fill the slot role that's growing in value across the NFL or function as a hybrid defender in Al Golden's defense. A safety hasn't gone top 10 in nearly a decade, but Downs is well worth that billing."
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
"He makes up for his more compact frame with overpowering strength and quick hands. Bain earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, dominating opposing offenses on the way to the CFP Championship game."
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
"Faulk's a twitchy and relentless hammer off the edge who could line up anywhere once he gets comfortable."
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
"Peter Woods is already an excellent run defender, but what makes him especially intriguing is his upside as a pass rusher. His athleticism, power, and relentless motor give him the tools to develop into a legitimate interior disruptor on passing downs."
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
"Delane had a monster season on an otherwise disappointing LSU team. His versatility as a man/zone cornerback and his intelligent and instinctive play really jump out on tape... Delane is a plug-and-play starter with the savvy to have early NFL success at cornerback."
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
"Cincinnati would be ecstatic if the draft played out this way. If the Bengals saw Bailey on the board here, they'd jump right up and make this pick."
