The Cincinnati Bengals are currently sitting at 4-9 on the season. With the playoffs likely out of reach, let’s take a look at some of the top positions of need and players at each one for the 2026 NFL
Draft. As always, free agency can change what this list ultimately looks like.
Defensive Tackle
The Bengals have been unable to generate a consistent pass rush from the interior defensive line for several seasons. There were reports that the Bengals would have drafted Walter Nolen in the 2025 draft, had he not been selected one spot prior to the Arizona Cardinals. If the Bengals are looking to draft a potential impact pass rusher, there are not many options near the top of the draft this year. The defensive tackle group is heavy with nose tackle/run-defending prospects.
One player they could decide to draft is Peter Woods from Clemson. While Woods’ stats do not jump off the page, he is a high-level prospect. He has really quick feet with active hands. He had a 16.8% pass rush win rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season. In comparison, BJ Hill has a 5.1% win rate on true pass sets this season. Kris Jenkins has a 6.6% win rate, TJ Slaton is at 7.4%, and McKinnley Jackson is at 11.1%, in a limited sample size.
Another prospect that could intrigue the Bengals is Caleb Banks from Florida. Banks is listed at 6’6” and 334 pounds. He moves very well for a player of that size. Injuries limited him to just a few games played in 2025. When healthy, he is a difference maker.
Safety
Geno Stone is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. His sixteen missed tackles led the team in 2025. The Bengals should be looking to draft a safety within the first two to three rounds during the draft.
Caleb Downs is the name that everyone is excited about, and rightfully so. Downs is a true culture changer for a defense. He is a reliable tackler, solid in coverage, and a coach on the field. Safety is a position that doesn’t always go in the top 15 selections; that is where Downs will almost certainly be selected. His coverage grade on the season is an incredible 89.3, while he has an 82.5 as a run defender.
Another safety the Bengals could be interested in is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo. McNeil-Warren is listed at 6’3” and 209 pounds. He is a fluid and rangy athlete on the back end of the defense. He has five career interceptions, nine career fumbles, and over two hundred tackles.
Linebacker
The Bengals drafted Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter within the first four rounds in 2025. Neither player has looked like a surefire starter moving forward at the position. While they can still contribute and improve, the Bengals cannot go into next season with those players penciled in the starting lineup. While the Bengals should look at free agency to help fill the need at the position, they may also decide to take a swing in the draft at some point.
Some talented players they would have to select early at the position include Arvell Reese Jr., Sonny Styles, and CJ Allen. If they decide to wait until day two, there are still some very intriguing options. One player that could end up on day two is Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas. Hill has the ability to consistently make plays against the run, as a pass rusher, and has shown some improvement in coverage. I could envision them using him in a role similar to what they were trying to do with Demetrius Knight Jr. during the first half of the season. Play him close to the line of scrimmage, and let him make a difference as a pass rusher. Some teams even view him as a player who will transition full-time to the edge position.
Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech has been an impact player all season for the Red Raiders. He has over one hundred tackles, four interceptions, and an NCAA-leading seven forced fumbles on the season. The former quarterback is a downhill magnet to the football, with impressive instincts, and the range to make plays sideline-to-sideline.
Offensive Tackle
Scott Peters has done an excellent job with the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line during his first season as the offensive line coach. The Bengals should look to re-sign Dalton Risner to play at right guard going into next season. With Jalen Rivers in his second year, that would be good depth on the interior at guard for the first time in a long time. One position that may be a little trickier is at offensive tackle. Orlando Brown Jr. will be entering the final year of his contract. He is also turning 30 years old in May. It would be wise to potentially draft a player who can come in and learn under Brown for a season.
Trevor Goosby from Texas is my favorite draft-eligible left tackle prospect. There is no guarantee that he will declare, but if he does, he should end up being drafted in the first round. He has great length with a 6’7” and 314-pound frame. He is a tremendous athlete who has reportedly run a 1.44 10-yard split. There is plenty of upside for Goosby to be an All-Pro tackle in the league.
Another draft-eligible left tackle prospect I like is Monroe Freeling from Georgia. In just his first year as the full-time starter, he has been fantastic for the Bulldogs. He has allowed just ten pressures during the entire year. He has an 85.4 pass blocking grade. His basketball background shows up with the quickness in his feet. If he declares, this might be a player the Bengals could land in the second round.
Cornerback
Cam Taylor-Britt is set to hit free agency after the season. His season also ended early after having foot surgery. It is unlikely he is back with the Bengals in 2026. The Bengals could be looking for an outside corner so they can move Dax Hill back into the slot.
One player that could be of interest if they address the position during the first round is Mansoor Delane from LSU. Delane was a shutdown player all year long for the Tigers. He allowed just a 37.1% completion rate during the season. He has tons of experience with over 2400 snaps played, is physical in run support, and posted an incredible 91.1 coverage this year.
If the Bengals wait until day two, they should have interest in a player like Keith Abney II. Abney allowed just a 44.4 completion rate against him this year. He has impressive ball skills with the ability to track it well down the field, has just a 4.3% missed tackle rate, and consistently smothers opposing wide receivers.
