The Cincinnati Bengals are heavily addressing their defensive woes in their 2026 Mock Draft 2.0.
Cincinnati has rounded up the latest projections from media outlets across the NFL. The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April, and the Bengals will have the 10th pick in the first round.
The Cincinnati Bengals ranked 31st in total defense for the 2025 season and they are looking to improve.
The Bengals Desperately Need Run-Stuffers
The Bengals ranked dead-last in rushing defense in 2025. Three defensive linemen are highlighted in their Mock Draft 2.0.
Edge Rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. headlines the list. The University of Miami pass-rusher had 9.5 sacks during the 2025 season.
“There aren’t many more disruptive and impactful defensive players in the country,” Todd McShay (The Ringer) wrote on the “McShay Report”. “His 8.5 sacks this season ranks tied for 23rd in the FBS, so we’re not talking about marginal sack production. Furthermore, he ranks third (minimum 100 pass-rush snaps) among P4 edge rushers with a 23.7 pass-rush win rate.”
Defensive Tackle, Peter Woods is the second defensive lineman listed. The Clemson University standout has proven to be an excellent run-stuffer.
“Peter Woods is already excellent as a run-stuffer, but what makes him special is the upside he offers as a pass rusher,” Jaime Eisner wrote in an NFL Draft Network article. “His athleticism and relentless motor give him the potential to develop into a true major disruptor in the passing game.”
“Woods underperformed in 2025 but earned PFF grades above 80.0 in each of the two seasons prior and has the skill set to shine as a pass rusher and against the run.” Gordon McGuinness wrote in a Pro Football Focus article.
Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk is the third defensive lineman listed. The Auburn University pass-rusher had an impressive sophomore season in 2024.
“Faulk is a monster at 6-6 and 288 pounds, and he displayed an incredible ability to blow past offensive tackles in the SEC over the past two seasons,” FOX Sports Research wrote in a FOX Sports article. “He posted 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 45 total tackles for the Tigers in his true sophomore season in 2024.”
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Secondary
The Cincinnati Bengals ranked 26th in passing defense in 2025. Their inconsistent play in the secondary has lost the team a lot of games.
Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs would be a big help.
“Downs reads plays so well and has the speed and wrap-up technique to wrangle and take down ball carriers,” Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in an ESPN article. “And don’t sleep on his ball skills: Downs had two interceptions in each of his three college seasons. He’s exactly the type of player the Bengals need on the back end.”
The last player mentioned in the Bengals’ Mock Draft 2.0 is Cornerback Jermod McCoy out of Tennessee. McCoy sat out the entire 2025 season but has the talent of a top 10 pick.
“When healthy, McCoy has shown true man-to-man cover skills, demonstrating not only elite change of direction and acceleration but ball-hawking instincts and hands.” Rob Rang wrote in a FOX Sports article.
The Cincinnati Bengals are loaded offensively, but this mock draft signifies their need to improve defensively in both the run and the pass.
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