The Cincinnati Bengals need a lot of help defensively.
It must be a point of emphasis for a team with weapons like Joe Burrow, Ja’marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on the offensive side of the ball. Even though Burrow was out much of the season, the Bengals defense likely wouldn’t have even been able to keep the team afloat anyway.
Bengals’ Defense Needs Addressing in 2026
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Cinci’s defense was in the toilet in 2025. Take a quick look at where it finished in some key metrics.
- 31st in total yardage allowed per game (380.9)
- 32nd in yards per play allowed (6.2)
- 29th in EPA per play (+0.07)
- 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game (147.1)
- 30th in total touchdowns allowed (51)
That is all just on the surface. Cincinnati was terrible in just about all other important metrics. At best, they were at best slightly-below-average in a few like pressure rate.
With that being said, it is paramount that the Bengals add some difference makers on the defensive side of the ball. To their credit, they did try this with Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the former Texas A&M Aggie only appeared in 8 games in 2025, registering only one sack.
They have already been tied to current Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean via free agency. However, in case you didn’t hear, there is an NFL Draft this year. The Bengals hold the 10th overall selection in the event.
Cincinnati Recommended to Acquire Defensive Lineman in 2026 NFL Draft
GettyCLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 01: Peter Woods #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the first half of a football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently did a deep-dive for each team’s biggest need and how they should address them this offseason.
For the Bengals, that need was understandably defensive line. PFF’s remedy was for Cinci to draft Clemson DI Peter Woods with the 10th overall pick in April’s 2026 NFL Draft.
Consider their explanation.
“The Bengals have some major concerns in the trenches, but particularly on defense. They were gashed all year on the ground, with opposing teams averaging nearly 150 rushing yards per game, which resulted in a 45.3 PFF run-defense grade (30th in the NFL).
While his production dipped in 2025 (72.2 PFF overall grade), Peter Woods has the potential to be a difference-maker from day one. The standout defensive tackle out of Clemson earned PFF overall grades of 83.7 in 2024 and 87.6 in 2023, defending the run and rushing the passer at a high level from the interior.”
Woods could provide a balanced-yet-impactful quality of play on the interior of a struggling Bengals defensive line. Cincinnati needs oodles of help in both the run-defending and pass-defending phases of the game.
Peter Woods wouldn’t fix everything himself, but he would be an excellent start.
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