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The Cincinnati Bengals have massive defensive priorities to address in this year’s NFL Draft. If they want to get back to being a Super Bowl team, the defense must improve.

Right now, the Cincinnati Bengals have the number 10 overall pick. Cincinnati will most likely use most of their picks on defensive players.

According to NFL Writer Nick Shook, the Bengals should trade up to get a game-changing defensive player.

“Cincinnati needs to continue building its defense — especially at the second level — but might end up missing out on every useful blue-chip defensive prospect worthy of the 10th overall selection.” Shook wrote.

Sonny Styles or Arvell Reese

“The pressure is on Duke Tobin to make a splash on that side of the ball, especially with Joe Burrow openly expressing frustration with the team’s (defensive) struggles over the last few years. Before the Giants‘ pick arrives at No. 5, Tobin works the phones to strike a deal to jump five spots, mortgaging the future for the right to draft a player who can start on Day 1. If it’s an in-state star like Ohio State’s Sonny Styles or Arvell Reese, that would be an added bonus.” Shook wrote.

Edge Rusher Arvell Reese has been a notable name in this draft for the entire offseason. The Ohio State standout recorded 6.5 sacks and 34 total tackles in the 2025 season. Reese ran 4.4 at this year’s NFL Combine.

In 2025, Reese was a First team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Conference LB of the Year, First-team All-Big Ten, and a Finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top LB).

Sonny Styles is a top linebacker prospect in this year’s draft. Cincinnati desperately needs helps at the second level and Styles could be a big help.

In 2024, Styles recorded 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five pass breakups, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. In 2025, he recorded 77 tackles, seven for loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble over 14 games, solidifying his status as one of the top linebackers in the country.

Cincinnati trading up to get Reese or Styles could turn the NFL Draft upside down. One could argue they could compete with the Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in 2026.

Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Woes

The Bengals defense will continue to be a topic of conversation throughout the offseason considering how horrid their defense has been.

The Cincinnati Bengals defense has nowhere to go but up after the past two seasons. The Bengals ranked 26th in passing defense in 2025.

They ranked 31st in total defense in 2025 and 32nd in rushing defense which is dead last. Cincinnati allowed 380.9 yards per game and gave up 60 total touchdowns.

In 2024, the Bengals ranked 25th in total defense. They ranked 21st in passing defense and 19th in rushing defense. Cincinnati allowed 25 points per game in 2024 and gave up 348 yards a game to opposing teams.

Cincinnati has the offensive side of the ball taken care of with Joe Burrow behind center. They locked up Ja’Maar Chase and Tee Higgins for the foreseeable future. The priority will be on the defensive side of ball, but will Cincy make the shocking move to trade up?