Bengals Predicted to Land Impact DB With No. 10 Pick in NFL Draft

LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane could be the top selection for Cincinnati to bolster their secondary.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:13pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player making a defensive play, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic motion of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a defensive back making a play captures the fractured, high-energy action of the NFL game.Baton Rouge Today

The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best offenses in the NFL, but their defense was among the worst in the league last season. The team has made some key free agent additions to improve the defense, but they still have holes to fill. With the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals are expected to target the best defensive player available, and mock drafts have them selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to help shore up their secondary.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense was a major weakness in 2025, and they need to continue adding impact players on that side of the ball to complement their high-powered offense. Selecting Delane, who is projected to be one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, would give Cincinnati a talented young defensive back who could contribute immediately.

The details

Delane is an impressive cornerback prospect with excellent technique, speed, and athleticism. While the Bengals don't desperately need a cornerback, adding Delane and using him as a nickel back initially would be a big move to improve their entire defensive unit. If Delane lives up to his potential, he could quickly become a dominant boundary cornerback for the Bengals.

  • The Bengals hold the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback prospect from LSU who is projected to be one of the top defensive backs selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jonathan Allen

A defensive player the Bengals signed in free agency to help bolster their defense.

Boye Mafe

Another defensive player the Bengals signed in free agency to improve their defense.

Bryan Cook

A third defensive player the Bengals added in free agency this offseason.

Kyle Dugger

A defensive player who joined the Bengals this week.

Ja'Sir Tayloir

Another defensive player who signed with the Bengals this week.

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What they’re saying

“Cincinnati's secondary has to improve and getting the top cornerback prospect in the class is a fantastic way to do so. He's a leaner cornerback but wins with impressive technique for a prospect of his age. The Bengals need contributors who can have an impact from Day 1 and Delane can do that on the outside.”

— Ayrton Ostly, USA Today writer

What’s next

The Bengals will have the opportunity to select Mansoor Delane or another top defensive prospect with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The Bengals have made some key defensive additions in free agency, but they still need to continue upgrading their defense through the draft. Selecting a talented cornerback prospect like Mansoor Delane with their first-round pick would give their secondary a major boost and help address a glaring weakness from the 2025 season.