Bengals Draft Trends: Unlocking the Secrets of 'The Beast' Guide

Cincinnati's blueprint for sustained success blends predictability with precision

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange, representing the various elements of the NFL Draft process and the Bengals' approach to it.The Bengals' draft strategy, with its emphasis on athleticism and character, is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece that captures the complexity and dynamism of the NFL's annual talent search.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals have developed a consistent approach to the NFL Draft, focusing on big-school prospects, elite athleticism, and strong character. Their strategy, informed by Dane Brugler's 'The Beast' guide, has led to a string of successful picks, but this year's draft could test the limits of their philosophy as they look to build a foundation for long-term competitiveness.

Why it matters

The Bengals' draft approach has been a key factor in their recent success, helping them build a roster of talented and versatile players who fit their team culture. As the league becomes increasingly unpredictable, the Bengals' emphasis on athleticism, character, and positional flexibility could give them a competitive edge and cement their status as a perennial contender.

The details

The Bengals have a clear preference for big-school prospects, especially from the SEC, believing that players who can thrive in the competitive conference are NFL-ready. They also prioritize elite athleticism, with their last five first-round picks posting Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) of at least 9.04. Additionally, the Bengals value leadership, toughness, and a love for the game, often targeting players who have served as team captains or played through injuries. This focus on character over everything suggests the Bengals are building a culture, not just a roster. However, the team may face difficult decisions, such as whether to prioritize potential over proven character in players like Mansoor Delane and Dani Dennis-Sutton.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April 2026.

The players

Shemar Stewart

A first-round pick of the Bengals who posted a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).

Mansoor Delane

An LSU player being compared to Jermod McCoy, a player with a 9.67 RAS score and a background in track and baseball.

Markel Bell

A massive offensive tackle from Miami who fits the Bengals' mold, but his weight fluctuation is a concern.

Keyron Crawford

An edge rusher from Auburn with a high-motor and strong character, whose grandfather was a professional wrestler nicknamed 'The Snowman'.

Dani Dennis-Sutton

An edge rusher from Penn State with a 9.93 RAS score and 17 sacks over two seasons, but his 'self-inflated' view of himself is a potential concern.

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What’s next

The Bengals will have to make key decisions on players like Mansoor Delane and Dani Dennis-Sutton, weighing potential against proven character. Their ability to find a reliable swing tackle and address their aging tight end room will also be crucial in this year's draft.

The takeaway

The Bengals' draft strategy, which blends predictability with precision, has been a key factor in their recent success. As the league becomes increasingly unpredictable, the Bengals' emphasis on athleticism, character, and positional flexibility could give them a competitive edge and cement their status as a perennial contender.