Bengals 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati lands on its feet after worst case scenario plays out inside top 10 picks

It’s not impossible the Cincinnati Bengals won’t be able to select a defensive player worthy of their first-round pick. Here’s how they can pivot and recover for the rest of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati Bengals mock drafts can look too perfect at times. But the draft is never perfect, and 2026 NFL Draft won’t be an exception.

The Bengals are heavily interested in the top defensive prospects in next week’s draft. It stands to reason most of the nine teams in front of them share that interest.

What happens if the Bengals don’t get one of their top defensive targets with the No. 10 pick? It’s a scenario worth playing out at least once.

I went ahead and played this out using the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator:

On top of these nine picks to work off of, I’m also making an assumption Cincinnati has flagged Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy for his ACL. This would really put the Bengals in a bind if they want to go defense.

You can’t always get what you want, but as the Rolling Stones once said, you just might that you get what you need.

Round 1, Pick 10: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Taking the first offensive lineman in the draft is a rare opportunity, and there’s a non-zero chance Cincinnati can make it a reality. Francis Mauigoa comes with large hands, acceptable length, and quality play strength. He’s agile enough to stay outside at tackle, but a move inside to guard isn’t beyond him. His older brother, Frederick, also briefly spent time with the Bengals back in 2020. They would love to add a legitimate swing tackle behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims sometime before the draft gets late. Mauigoa can be just that, and maybe even start at right guard this year.

Round 2, Pick 41: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds (5) celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Back-to-back players from the College Football Playoff National Championship? The Bengals certainly wouldn’t be against it considering their affinity with players from major programs. Indiana became that overnight thanks in part to players like D’Angelo Ponds who punched above their weight class. If he was 5-10 he’d be a first-round lock. He’s just under 5-9 and is expected to fall into Day 2. Cincinnati can find its new nickelback with proven ability on the outside in him.

Round 3, Pick 72: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) reacts during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

This may be a bit late for an SEC player in a Bengals mock, but better late than never. Trotter is the youngest son of former NFL All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter and plays a lot like his father. He’s great going downhill and quite limited in the opposite direction, but he’s still 21 and can grow in that regard. Cincinnati needs a wrecking ball to do what Demetrius Knight Jr. couldn’t on the line of scrimmage.

Round 4, Pick 110: Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III (60) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Attacking the o-line in the first round gives the Bengals an opportunity to really solidify its depth there. Trey Zuhn III mostly played left tackle for Texas A&M but also got some run in at center and his frame suggests the interior is where he’ll belong at the next level. He’s as tough as you’ll find for a lineman, making him ideal to eventually take over for Ted Karras when the time comes.

Round 6, Pick 189: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) attempts to get into the backfield during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Addressing the pass rush this late would not be ideal and Cincinnati would be urged to look at veteran options after the draft if this were the scenario. For now, Trey Moore is an intriguing Day 3 option as a quick and flexible EDGE-LB hybrid type. He finished a lot of his pressures at Texas despite his pass rush win rate not being as high as you’d think. A solid plan could make him a good value pick.

Round 6, Pick 199: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

Indiana’s Roman Hemby (1) runs during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Ponds’ teammate on the other side of the ball churned out tough yardage in the CFP. Cincy visited with Roman Hemby’s running mate, Kaelon Black, and those meetings can lead to fresh intel about teammates. Drafting a RB late seems inevitable for the Bengals regardless.

Round 7, Pick 221: Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

There’s also been a good amount of interest from Cincinnati in the late-round quarterback options, including Illinois’ Luke Altmyer. The former Ole Miss QB projects to be a solid backup in the NFL, and the Bengals could use a long-term option behind Joe Burrow.

Round 7, Pick 226: Zavian Thomas, WR, LSU

Oct 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Zavion Thomas (0) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

One of the fastest receivers in this class comes from a program the Bengals know very well. Zavion Thomas could make the team as a seventh-rounder because of his speed and special teams ability.