Bengals’ Most Crucial Draft Since 2020? Tim Bielik’s 2026 NFL Mock 7.0

Cincinnati enters the 2026 draft under real pressure. The Bengals missed the playoffs three seasons in a row, and Joe Burrow turns 30 this December.

Why this class matters

The 2020 draft delivered the franchise quarterback. Selecting Joe Burrow provided the centerpiece for the rebuild.

Tee Higgins and Logan Wilson added depth to that class. Outside of Ja’Marr Chase in 2021, recent drafts produced limited immediate impact.

Offseason moves and roster needs

Cincinnati added several defenders in free agency. The team signed Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen and Kyle Dugger.

Key needs remain on defense. The Bengals require competition at linebacker for Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.

They also need added pass-rush depth and another defensive tackle. Losing Trey Hendrickson to the Ravens leaves them without a clear face of the defense.

Draft positioning and strategy

The Bengals hold the No. 10 pick in this mock. This projection assumes no trades on draft night.

Cincinnati has not traded out of its original first-round spot in eight years. Dropping down for extra Day 2 picks could be considered if value does not match pick 10.

If multiple offensive tackles go inside the top 10, a top defensive player is likelier to fall to Cincinnati.

Projected selection at No. 10

The mock projects Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to Cincinnati. Downs measures 5-11.5 and 206 pounds.

His 2025 line reads: 45 solo tackles, one sack, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. He is listed among the top defensive prospects in this class.

Top of the board in Tim Bielik’s 2026 NFL mock 7.0

• 1 — Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. 6-5, 236. 2025: 273-379 (72.0%), 3,535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT.
• 2 — New York Jets: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech. 6-4, 251. 2025: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, 3 FF, 3 PBUs.
• 3 — Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State. 6-4, 241. 2025: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 TFL.
• 4 — Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame. 6-0, 212. 2025: 199 carries, 1,372 yards, 18 rush TD; 27 receptions, 280 yards, 3 receiving TD.
• 5 — New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami. 6-5.5, 329.
• 6 — Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State. 6-2, 192. 2025: 51 receptions, 875 yards, 9 TD. Combine 40: 4.53.
• 7 — Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State. 6-5, 244. 2025: 82 tackles, 1 sack, 6.5 TFL, 1 FF, 1 INT, 3 PBUs.
• 8 — New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami. 6-2, 263. 2025: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 1 FF, 1 INT.
• 9 — Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. 6-0, 187. 2025: 26 solo tackles, 2 INT, 11 PBUs.
• 10 — Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State. 5-11.5, 206. 2025: 45 solo tackles, 1 sack, 5 TFL, 2 INT, 2 FF, 2 PBUs.

Notable selections later in the first round

• 11 — Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah. 6-5.5, 311.
• 13 — Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC. 5-11, 192. 2025: 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 TD.
• 16 — New York Jets via Colts: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana. 6-0, 199. 2025: 69 receptions, 937 yards, 13 TD.
• 21 — Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama. 6-1, 211. 2025: 305-473 (64.5%), 3,567 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT.
• 26 — Buffalo Bills: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami. 6-3, 259. 2025: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 17.5 TFL, 4 FF.
• 32 — Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson. 5-10, 184. 2025: 30 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 4.5 TFL, 5 FF, 9 PBUs.

What to watch on draft night

How many offensive tackles come off the board in the top 10 will matter to the Bengals. If tackles go early, a top defensive play becomes more attainable at pick 10.

Cincinnati can either grab an immediate defensive difference-maker or trade down for extra assets. Either path aims to return Burrow to the playoffs.

This mock appears in Tim Bielik’s 2026 NFL mock 7.0 coverage for Filmogaz.com. It offers a no-trades scenario and team-by-team rationale for the first round.