Bengals Linked to Top LSU Cornerback in NFL Draft Rumors

Cincinnati looks to upgrade secondary after losing star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to Ravens.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in deep orange, navy blue, and forest green tones, conceptually representing the Bengals' efforts to reconstruct their defensive secondary.The Bengals' search for a top cornerback prospect reflects their need to rebuild their defense around quarterback Joe Burrow.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly eyeing a top cornerback prospect from LSU in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, as they look to bolster their secondary after the offseason departure of star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense struggled last season without the pass-rushing presence of Hendrickson, and upgrading the cornerback position could help shore up the secondary and take pressure off the rest of the unit.

The details

Several analysts have identified the Bengals as a potential landing spot for the 2026 draft class's top cornerback prospect from LSU. The Bengals are in need of reinforcements in the secondary after Hendrickson, a long-time star pass rusher, left in free agency to join Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A former star edge rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals who departed in free agency to join the Baltimore Ravens.

Lamar Jackson

The star quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, who helped lure Hendrickson to join the team's defense.

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What’s next

The Bengals will look to address their secondary needs through the draft, with the top cornerback prospect from LSU emerging as a potential target.

The takeaway

The Bengals' defense took a hit with the loss of Trey Hendrickson, and the team is now focused on upgrading the cornerback position through the upcoming NFL Draft to help shore up the secondary.