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 would change the team's trajectory at the position after garnering an elite 93.6 PFF overall grade for his college career."
"My models are really, really high on Downs and his alignment versatility. He falls into a similar category as guys like Nick Emmanwori, Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick in terms of being multiple and extremely smart."
"Downs is a true force multiplier near the line of scrimmage, and this unit would surely stand to benefit from his savvy, tone-setting approach."
"Caleb Downs is Swiss Army Knife of a defensive back who can line up in coverage at strong safety, nickel or even in sub packages as a linebacker. Downs is an A-plus blitzer thanks to his instincts, and he's strong against the run with great tackling angles."
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
"With their star quarterback healthy and all three AFC North divisional opponents featuring entirely new coaching staffs, the Bengals could find themselves in an exciting position to springboard from holding a top-10 pick to possible divisional winner a year from now."
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
"If his medical exams are clean, he would meet the Bengals' need for a physical outside corner."
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
"Woods is a versatile interior defender who can disrupt the pass and the run."
CB Masoor Delane, LSU
"He presents prototypical size at 6'0" and 190 pounds, while showing off impressive football IQ and scheme versatility. All the while, he maintains a physical presence on the boundary against any wide receiver and attacks the catch-point aggressively."
