The Cincinnati Bengals have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, starting with the second round. They traded their first-round pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and need to secure impactful defensive players.
Key points
Bengals have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
First selection is in the second round, pick No. 41
Traded 10th overall pick for Dexter Lawrence
Lack a fifth-round pick due to previous trades
Need impactful defensive players after playoff misses
Mentioned in this story
Texas Tech
Cincinnati BengalsCleveland Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals are slated to have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bengals, however, aren't scheduled to make their first selection until Friday's second round because the team traded it's 10th overall pick in the first round for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Cincinnati also doesn't have a fifth-round pick, which was used to acquire quarterback Joe Flacco and a sixth-round pick from the Cleveland Browns last season.
The Bengals need to nail this draft after three consecutive years of missing the playoffs. It's important for Cincinnati to come away with at least three impact players on defense.
So, without further ado, here is my two-round mock draft.
Round 2, pick No. 41: Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
The Bengals will use their second-round pick on a linebacker for a second year in a row. In 2025, Bengalsâ director of personnel Duke Tobin used two of his six picks on linebackers Demetrius Knight (second round) and Barrett Carter (fourth round).
Knight and Carterâs rookie seasons were full of ups and downs. The franchise is hopeful both players take a step forward in Year 2. But the pick of Rodriguez gives the Bengals a safety net if the plan doesnât go as expected for Knight and Carter.
Itâs also worth noting the Bengals didnât address the linebacker position in free agency despite a glaring need to improve at the position.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez asks for more crowd noise during the Big 12 championship game Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Q&A
What is the Bengals' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bengals' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is in the second round, specifically pick No. 41.
Who did the Bengals trade their 10th overall pick for?
The Bengals traded their 10th overall pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
What positions do the Bengals need to focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bengals need to focus on securing at least three impact players on defense in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why is the 2026 NFL Draft important for the Bengals?
The 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for the Bengals as they have missed the playoffs for three consecutive years and need to strengthen their roster.
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Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez asks for more crowd noise during the Big 12 championship game Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Bengals used one of their top 30 pre-draft visits on Rodriguez, signaling their interest in him. Heâs athletic and versatile, and maybe most importantly, is highly praised for his leadership. He was a two-time team captain at Texas Tech.
Rodriguez also has a knack for taking the ball away and creating turnovers. He led FBS with seven forced fumbles in 2025 and registered over 100 tackles in each of his final two seasons at the collegiate level.
In selecting Rodriguez, the Bengals get a player who can compete for a starting role immediately.
Round 3, pick No. 72: Defensive end Zion Young, Missouri
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Bengals have to improve on defense and itâs why they use their first two picks on that side of the ball.
After signing defensive end Boye Mafe in free agency, Cincinnati now rounds out its edge group with a flush of new, young talent. The Bengals used their first-round pick in 2025 on defensive end Shemar Stewart. His rookie season didnât go as planned due to injuries and a contract holdout in the offseason.
Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) moves in to tackle Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) moves in to tackle Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Former 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy and Mafe will enter the season as the projected starters at defensive end. Stewart is expected to take a big leap in his second season. Now, Young completes the room.
Young started two years at Missouri and recorded nine sacks. Heâs not the best edge rusher in this yearâs draft class, but he showed a lot of promise during his final seasons in the SEC. He finished second in the SEC in tackles for loss (16.5) and third in quarterback pressures (53).
With the right development plan and coaching, Young could make an impact early for the Bengals in their quest to apply more pressure on opponentsâ quarterbacks.
