Bengals Land Top Cornerback in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Cincinnati adds LSU's Mansoor Delane with 10th overall pick to bolster secondary

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:04pm

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In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN's Peter Schrager projects the Cincinnati Bengals to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the 10th overall pick. Delane is viewed as the top corner in this year's class after allowing a low 31.3 passer rating when targeted last season. The Bengals, who have already made several key defensive additions in free agency, are seen targeting the best player available at this spot despite not having a pressing need at cornerback.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to build on their recent playoff appearances and take the next step as a Super Bowl contender. Adding an elite cornerback prospect like Delane would give them a true shutdown option on the outside to pair with their other defensive upgrades, solidifying the secondary and making Cincinnati's defense even more formidable.

The details

In his mock draft, Schrager notes that while the Bengals may not have an immediate need at cornerback, Delane is simply too talented to pass up at this spot if he's available. The LSU product can play both on the outside and in the slot, providing Cincinnati with a versatile defensive back to complement their existing pieces. The Bengals are expected to target a linebacker in the second round to continue bolstering their defense after this potential first-round selection.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback prospect from LSU who is viewed as the top player at his position in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Peter Schrager

An ESPN NFL insider and analyst who recently released his first 2026 NFL mock draft.

Bryan Cook

A defensive player the Bengals added in free agency to bolster their roster.

Boye Mafe

Another defensive player the Bengals signed in free agency.

Jonathan Allen

A free agent acquisition by the Bengals to improve their defense.

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What they’re saying

“Delane allowed a low 31.3 passer rating when targeted last season and is viewed as the top corner in this class. Cincinnati could look at a few different options here, and while another early-round pick on a defensive back might not be the most popular choice, it could make a lot of sense. The Bengals need a true shutdown guy on the outside.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

The Bengals will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the possibility of targeting a linebacker in the second round to further strengthen their defense.

The takeaway

The Bengals have been active in free agency to improve their roster, but they still have work to do to become a true Super Bowl contender. Selecting a top cornerback prospect like Mansoor Delane with their first-round pick would give them an elite defensive back to pair with their other offseason additions, solidifying Cincinnati's secondary and making their defense one of the league's best.