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Projected draft targets for Cincinnati Bengals remained available at No. 10
TL;DR
The Cincinnati Bengals traded their No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This decision was influenced by concerns that top defensive players would not be available at their draft position.
Key points
- Cincinnati Bengals traded No. 10 pick to New York Giants
- Acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II
- Concerns about top defensive players lasting until 10th pick
Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter Lawrence IINFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals did not have a pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
The Bengals traded their No. 10 overall pick straight up to the New York Giants for 28-year-old defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
A major reason Cincinnati made the trade was because the Bengals front office was unsure the draft’s best defensive players would last until the 10th pick.
MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)
“You know the value of Dexter,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said, per play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard. “You’ve seen it on tape for the last seven years. So there’s really no question on what he’s going to bring. With any first round pick, there’s always going to be a question. You think you know the value, but until they’re integrated into an NFL locker room and go play against other NFL players, there’s a little bit of an unknown there. He’s a known commodity.”
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., both widely expected to go in the top nine picks, were still on the board at No. 10. The Dallas Cowboys moved up in the first round to select Downs at No. 11.
The Giants, who received the Bengals’ pick in the trade, took Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10. Mauigoa also was considered a possible target for Cincinnati if the defensive players were off the board. New York also picked Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese in the first round with the No. 5 pick.
Q&A
Why did the Cincinnati Bengals trade their No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bengals traded their No. 10 pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence due to concerns that the best defensive players would not be available at that position.
Who did the Cincinnati Bengals acquire in exchange for their 2026 draft pick?
The Bengals acquired 28-year-old defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants.
What impact does the Bengals' trade have on their 2026 NFL Draft strategy?
The trade indicates a shift in strategy, prioritizing immediate defensive strength over drafting potential players at the 10th pick.