Bengals 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 5.0

Experts project top prospects to join Cincinnati in upcoming NFL Draft

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Cincinnati Bengals hold the 10th overall pick. We've compiled the latest projections from media outlets across the league to see which top prospects could be joining the Bengals this year.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to build on their recent success and continue improving their roster through the draft. This mock draft roundup provides insight into the top players the team may target with their first-round selection.

The details

Among the top prospects linked to the Bengals in these mock drafts are Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk, Clemson DT Peter Woods, and LSU CB Mansoor Delane. Experts praise Downs' well-rounded game, Bain's strength and production, Faulk's athleticism, Woods' upside as a pass rusher, and Delane's versatility and instincts.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April.

The players

Caleb Downs

A safety/nickelback prospect from Ohio State who is praised for his football IQ, coverage skills, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive end from Miami who earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors last season with his combination of power, quickness, and production.

Keldric Faulk

An edge rusher from Auburn known for his athleticism, relentless motor, and potential to line up in multiple spots along the defensive front.

Peter Woods

A defensive tackle from Clemson who excels as a run defender but also has intriguing upside as a pass rusher due to his athleticism and work ethic.

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback from LSU praised for his versatility, instincts, and potential to contribute immediately at the NFL level.

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What they’re saying

“Downs is just a football player, man; a safety/nickelback/de facto linebacker, he plays with incredible anticipation in coverage and has a knack for always being around the ball in run support.”

— Danny Kelly, Writer (The Ringer)

“Downs is at worst the third-best prospect in this class, the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton. He's a force multiplier on the back end who can do it all.”

— Ayrton Ostly, Writer (USA Today Sports)

“Bain earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, dominating opposing offenses on the way to the CFP Championship game.”

— Field Yates, Analyst (ESPN)

“Faulk's a twitchy and relentless hammer off the edge who could line up anywhere once he gets comfortable.”

— Nick Baumgardner, Writer (The Athletic)

“Delane had a monster season on an otherwise disappointing LSU team. His versatility as a man/zone cornerback and his intelligent and instinctive play really jump out on tape... Delane is a plug-and-play starter with the savvy to have early NFL success at cornerback.”

— Todd McShay, Analyst (The McShay Report)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to address their needs through the draft, with the 10th overall pick being a key part of their strategy to continue improving the roster.

The takeaway

The Bengals have a chance to add a difference-maker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with a talented pool of prospects projected to be available at their pick. The team will need to carefully evaluate these top prospects and determine which one best fits their needs and long-term vision.