The Athletic predicts Bishop Fitzgerald will land in AFC North

Safety is shaping up to be a position at the 2026 NFL draft where a lot of action will occur i rounds two through four. After that, there is a drop-off in talent. For many teams that need to upgrade their back end, they will have to strike while the iron is hot. That is, unless a USC safety who is getting overlooked can fall into their lap late in the draft. Bishop Fitzgerald has the talent and traits of a safety who can excel right away.

In one last mock draft before next Thursday, Dane Brugler has the Bengals selecting Trojan safety Bishop Fitzgerald. He has Fitzgerald falling into the Bengals' lap at pick 199 in Round 6.

The Bengals have no problem scoring; all of their issues mainly lie on the defensive side of the ball. The Bengals' defense over the last few years has made it easy for their opponent and harder for their offense. This year, they will look to change that, and a player like Bishop Fitzgerald does help in that regard.

Fitzgerald is a safety who is a ballhawk, and he gets consistent interception production year in and year out. He is solid in coverage, and he is not afraid to make a hit or two in run support. He would be a great addition for the Bengals secondary and could be an impact player early in the Bengals secondary.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: NFL draft - USC's Bishop Fitzgerald could go to contender on Day 3