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Jacob Rodriguez #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders could be an ideal Day 2 target for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cincinnati Bengals did not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night as a result of a trade with the New York Giants. The Bengals received defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in exchange for the 10th overall pick.  It was the first time since 1989 that the Bengals did not make a first-round selection.

A Chance On Night 2

On Friday night the Bengals’ own pick no. 41 and no. 72. Sports Illustrated reporter, James Rapien. Although already reinforcing the defensive side of the ball Rapien believes the Bengals could add more defense in round two,

“It’s no secret that the Bengals need a cornerback. Jermod McCoy would’ve had a high grade for them, but the uncertainty surrounding his knee and a possible surgery could take him completely off of their board, Rapien wrote. “Hood is likely high on the Bengals’ list of preferred targets at 41. Brandon Cisse could also be in the mix. Adding a cornerback is high on their needs list and the board could fall in that direction. Could Avieron Terrell or D’Angelo Ponds be in consideration?”

Rapien project that the Bengals big board in round two could look something like this, “1. Kayden McDonald, 2. Colton Hood, 3. T.J. Parker, 4. Brandon Cisse, 5. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, 6. Jacob Rodriguez.”

While it could come as a bit of a surprise to some that Jacob Rodriguez, who had 117 tackles, had 10 tackles for loss and forced 11 turnovers last season at Texas Tech, is still available its not shocking that he is so low on the big board.

“Why would Rodriguez be so low? The Bengals may prioritize getting a corner that projects as a true inside-outside player and gives them some flexibility with DJ Turner and Dax Hill entering the final year of their contracts,” Rapien wrote.

However Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic has Rodriguez as the top choice for the Bengals, “Leader in the clubhouse as a Bengals target in the second round,” Dehner wrote. “They will be seeking linebackers, and Rodriguez’s instincts are the best in class this draft. He created 11 turnovers last year for the Red Raiders and shows unique savvy playing the run, stacking tackles for loss. His awareness and feel for the game make him a weapon in coverage. Most importantly, he boasts a mustache that would make Tom Selleck proud. ”

Linebacker Is A Need

Outside of Rodriguez, Dehner has circled three other linebackers the Bengals may look at in round two: CJ Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) and Jake Golday. If the Bengals pass on a linebacker in the second round Dehner believes that Cincy could look at Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh) and Josiah Trotter (Missouri). Trotter is the son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter and brother of current Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr.

If the Bengals do not select linebacker Dehner eyes offensive line or cornerback as a position to target.

At corner he lists Brandon Cisse (South Carolina), Treydan Stukes (Arizona), D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana) and Avieon Terrell (Clemson as potential options.

Dehner eyes Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern), Austin Barber (Florida) and Markel Bell (Miami) at offensive line.

Round 2 & 3 of the NFL Draft kick off at 7 P.M.  ET on Friday.