2026 Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 7 picks | Overall Grade: B+ Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 selections and critical needs at Edge Rusher, Safety, Offensive Guard. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #10 - Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
Rank: #3 overall | Grade: A+ | Need Match: āāāāā Why This Pick:Miami addresses their quarterback situation by taking Dante Moore, the most naturally talented passer in this class whose transformation from UCLA transfer to Oregon starter has captivated scouts. Moore's FBS-best 3.2% pressure-to-sack rate demonstrates elite pocket poise, while his 72.9% completion rate and 23-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio validate the maturation NFL teams hoped to see. The Dolphins are betting on franchise quarterback upside.
The Fit:Moore's fluid throwing motion and ability to strike from different arm angles while rolling out of the pocket fits Miami's aggressive offensive philosophy. His arm talentāESPN's Mel Kiper called him the most natural thrower in this classāgives whoever catches passes for the Dolphins a quarterback capable of fitting balls into shrinking windows. The 206-pound frame needs NFL-level weight, but the C.J. Stroud comparison speaks to his impact potential.
Scouting Report:If Caleb Downs was off the board, Cincinnati Bengals could target similar Safetys in the top 10 range.
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Pick #41 - Cincinnati Bengals: A'Mauri Washington, Defensive Line, Oregon
Rank: #38 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: āāā Why This Pick:New Orleans looks past their top-five needs to grab Keith Abney II, betting his twitchy footwork and exceptional playmaking instincts at the catch point outweigh the depth chart concerns. Abney's unconventional backgroundāfour national speed roller skating championships before footballāmanifests in his ability to decelerate and break on routes at the exact moment receivers do. The Saints are adding a cornerback whose zone-coverage mastery can mask their aging secondary.
The Fit:Abney's patience without biting on double moves and masterful use of leverage to limit quarterback windows make him an ideal fit for New Orleans' coverage schemes. His seven penalties in 2024 reveal the aggressive streak that needs calibration, but his ability to smother throwing lanes over the middle addresses a specific weakness. The 6-foot frame limits him against true X receivers, though his instincts and hip fluidity should translate immediately to nickel responsibilities.
Scouting Report:If A'Mauri Washington was off the board, Cincinnati Bengals could target similar Defensive Lines in the second round range.
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Pick #72 - Cincinnati Bengals: D'angelo Ponds, Cornerback, Indiana
Rank: #70 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: āāāāā Why This Pick:New Orleans finally addresses their quarterback situation by taking John Mateer, a dual-threat Washington State-to-Oklahoma transfer who ranks fifth in Mel Kiper's quarterback rankings despite limited starting experience. Mateer's ability to carve up opponents with both arm and legsāhe throws with good touch from various arm angles while rolling either directionāgives the Saints a dynamic option. The undersized frame raises questions, but his command of the offense and competitive fire are undeniable.
The Fit:Mateer's mobility to scramble and pick up chunks of yardage gives New Orleans a quarterback dimension they've lacked, while his processing ahead of experience level suggests coachability. His ability to deliver strikes rolling left or right out of the pocket fits creative play-calling, though the 6-0, 205-pound frame limits his NFL projection compared to bigger-armed prospects. The Kyler Murray-without-elite-arm-strength comparison captures both his upside and limitations.
Scouting Report:If D'angelo Ponds was off the board, Cincinnati Bengals could target similar Cornerbacks in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #110: Drew Shelton (Offensive Tackle, Penn State) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #189: Clev Lubin (Edge Rusher, Louisville) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #199: Le'Veon Moss (Running Back, Texas A&M) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #226: John Michael Gyllenborg (Tight End, Wyoming) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Cincinnati Bengals Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B+ What Went Right:---
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