Bengals Split Latest 2026 Mock Draft Haul on Offense and Defense

Cincinnati has top 10 picks in nearly every round this April.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:48am

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The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is less than a month away. According to a recent four-round mock draft from NFL.com writer Chad Reuter, the Bengals are focusing on both offense and defense with their top picks.

Why it matters

The Bengals have multiple high draft picks this year, including a top 10 selection in nearly every round. This gives them an opportunity to address key needs on both sides of the ball as they look to build on their recent success and make another deep playoff run.

The details

In Reuter's mock, the Bengals selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round, followed by Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round. In the third round, they took Texas A&M center Trey Zuhn III, and in the fourth round, they added Connecticut wide receiver Skyler Bell.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, taking place in late April.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback from LSU who is ranked first among cornerbacks and 11th overall on the consensus big board.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety from Toledo who is ranked third among safeties and 25th on the consensus big board.

Trey Zuhn III

A center from Texas A&M who is ranked 144th on the consensus big board.

Skyler Bell

A wide receiver from Connecticut who is ranked 85th on the consensus big board and 14th among wide receivers.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals grab Delane for his top-10-worthy coverage skills. Dax Hill can stay in the slot, while Delane and DJ Turner II hold down the outside.”

— Chad Reuter, NFL.com writer

“You want guys that play football well, but you want guys that can play NFL football well. And those traits are what drive a lot of really great players. And we do like guys that are big enough, fast enough, strong enough. You can't just have desire. Desire with no physical traits.”

— Duke Tobin, Director of player personnel

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.