The Cincinnati Bengals ended up with seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and came away with tremendous value on both days they made their selections.
The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft
just a couple hours prior to the one-week anniversary of the Dexter Lawrence trade.
It's safe to say they got significantly better over the past seven days.
Cincinnati ended up with seven picks, the same number as when the draft started, despite making a trade in the beginning of Day 3. Four offensive players were picked Saturday afternoon, and the two earliest and the last pick were spent on the defense.
Let's grade all seven picks, and the class as a whole.
Credit to Duke Tobin and the personnel department for keeping their word about revamping their pass rush
. Cashius Howell was arguably the best EDGE on the board after 40 picks, and his pass-rushing production after two years at Texas A&M was something to behold. Even if he may not be a three-down player in Cincinnati's defense, his value on passing downs will be felt immediately.
Grade: A-
It was a matter of when, not if, the Bengals were going to draft a cornerback. Tacario Davis was projected as an early Day 3 pick for his raw technique, but Cincy took a swing in the third round to land his elite length at the position. The 6-4 corner will join a defensive backfield hoping to contribute early in a niche role, and provide depth behind DJ Turner and Dax Hill. The reach wasn't immense, but a reach nonetheless.
Grade: C+
**Bengals traded picks No. 110 and No. 199 to the New York Jets for picks No. 128 and No. 140**
Trading back 18 spots to land one of the best centers in the draft is a smart move. Connor Lew was projected to go a round earlier, but his torn ACL kept him out of athleticism testing this offseason and he may not be ready to practice until late in the summer. This is a pick for the future, though, and the 20-year old can become Ted Karras' eventual replacement.
Grade: A-
The fourth-rounder gained from the trade back was used to bolster the Bengals' receiving corps. Colbie Young is kind of like the wide receiver version of Davis as a tantalizing height-length-speed player. He's been promising when he's on the field, but his reasons for being off the field will naturally create some pause here. It's the final pick of the fourth round so it's not a giant risk by any means, but there's not that much production to be excited about to offset a past arrest and leg injury over the past two years.
Grade: C
This is where Cincinnati really started cooking. Parker, who spent most of his childhood as a Cincinnatian, was a consensus fourth-round prospect who ended up coming off the board atop the sixth round. He has incredibly clean tape, blocking production, and athleticism for his size. Why he was available at No. 189 I'm not sure, but it's one of the best picks any team made all draft. He'll backup any and all spots he's needed at along the offensive line.
Grade: A+
Keep the value train rolling! Jack Endries was projected to be drafted between the fourth and fifth round. The reliable receiving option for both Fernando Mendoza and Arch Manning inexplicably fell to the last round of the draft. Cincinnati can have him compete with Tanner Hudson and Cam Grandy for a roster spot, and he has the talent to beat one of them out.
Grade: A
The kid who grew up a Bengals fan in Akron
is now a Bengal himself. Landon Robinson is an undersized defensive tackle prospect at 5-11, 293 pounds, but the production and athleticism coming out of Navy were off the charts. That's what really matters, and the height is just going to give him an guaranteed leverage advantage. He'll have an uphill climb to make the team, but this was another smart pick when looking at the consensus board.
Grade: A-
Final Grade: B+
The big swings on Davis and Young bring the grade down just below the A-range, but it's easy to see the Bengals getting a lot of value with these seven picks. Depth at defensive line and offensive line became significantly improved. Howell may develop into a starter before long. Lew will have an opportunity as well.
If just one of Davis or Young hit and become meaningful contributors, this class has the potential to be one of the best Cincinnati has had this decade.
