The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 campaign was marred by the injury that sidelined Joe Burrow for most of the season. It was a pretty disastrous year, but the reward of the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft served as a painkiller of sorts.

This fanbase perpetually looks ahead to the offseason in hopes of shoring up one of the league’s worst defenses. Now, they won’t be cheering on a first-round selection, but for the right reasons. While a bold move, the Bengals’ brass spent that pick to trade for Dexter Lawrence, the run-stuffing defensive tackle formerly playing for the New York Giants. Now, the rest of the work begins as the front office prepares for the second round and beyond. Could a solid draft class be enough to get Cincinnati back into the postseason mix?

Here are the details you need to know about the Bengals’ draft capital before they’re on the clock this week, plus a prediction and pick for their first selection.

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft picks

• Round 2 — 41st overall
• Round 3 — 72nd overall
• Round 4 — 110th overall
• Round 6 — 189th overall
• Round 6 — 199th overall
• Round 7 — 221st overall
• Round 7 — 226th overall

Cincinnati Bengals team needs

The story of the Bengals’ team needs remains the same as ever for the most part. Skill positions on offense are no issue with Joe Burrow under center, throwing to the star duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wideout while Chase Brown takes snaps in the backfield. The offensive line does still need work, as per usual, so that’s a clear need to address via the draft.

Defensively, the front office did try to address some major needs up front. The trench play led to one of the worst run-stopping units in the league last year, but the trade for Lawrence and signing of Johnathan Allen should assist with that. Yes, 10th overall is rich for the former, but the team clearly wanted to take a swing on a proven commodity rather than bank on a young talent. Boye Mafe is a nice acquisition off the edge as well, while adding Kyle Dugger doesn’t hurt in the safety room.

Still, one could argue there are still holes on the defensive line and edge. The secondary also looks quite vulnerable too, and given the way this team tends to get into shootouts, addressing the cornerback position should be a point of emphasis.

Will this be a defense-first draft for Cincinnati?

Frankly, it certainly should be. The rumor mill has picked up over the last year or so that Burrow may be growing displeased with the team’s struggles, which may or may not have played into the decision to trade for a win-now player like Lawrence. If the Bengals want to keep their franchise gunslinger around for the long haul, they need to prove they can surround him with a winning roster. That goes for both sides of the ball, however difficult that task may be with two wideouts eating up a massive portion of the salary cap.

While the war room won’t land on the clock until the early-ish phase of the second round, they’ll have plenty of options for their pick at No. 41 overall. If they don’t trade back to secure additional assets, they’re almost assuredly taking an offensive lineman, EDGE, linebacker or defensive back. Granted, that doesn’t narrow things down a ton since there are so many needs. Still, let’s look at a couple choices.

Could Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell slide into the second round given concerns about his hamstring injury? Sure, and he’d be a smash pick to slide in as an every-down starter when healthy. Fellow cornerback Brandon Cisse from South Carolina could be a target, though the Bengals don’t play a ton of man coverage, which he’s far better in than zone. If EDGE is the play, maybe Missouri talent Zion Young, Illinois product Gabe Jacas, or Oklahoma standout R Mason Thomas are available at that spot. Linebacker sees Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez headline this area of mock drafts, and there are numerous offensive linemen who could also hear their name called if Cincinnati decides defense isn’t the move after all.

Whatever the case, it’s clear to see the Bengals are positioned to go with the best player available. There are too many holes on this roster to do otherwise, especially on defense.

Prediction: Bengals select a cornerback with their first pick (+300)