The Cincinnati Bengals have selected some risky players in recent years in hopes of landing a steal.
So it shouldn’t be a big surprise that NFL.com’s Chad Reuter predicts they’ll do it again.
In his three-round mock draft, the writer has the Bengals selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here’s his take: “McCoy missed all of last season with an ACL tear. If his medical exams are clean, he would meet the Bengals’ need for a physical outside corner.”
Injury
concerns aside, McCoy has CB1 potential, with smooth hips and feet as well as good size, per his Draft profile on NFL.com.
Then, in the second round, Reuter predicts that the Bengals will take edge rusher Zion Young out of Missouri.
According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Young has rare length and leverage, active hands, and exceptional anchor strength against the run. He does lack elite burst off the snap and counter moves, though.
It is not until the third round that Reuter thinks Cincinnati will add a safety, namely A.J. Haulcy out of LSU.
Per NFLDraftBuzz.com, Haulcy has outstanding coverage instincts in zone schemes and the balls skills that translate to turnovers. But his timing speed is average and his man coverage skills need work.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23.
