ESPN has USC safety Bishop Fitzegerald landing with Bengals

USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald is being overlooked. He is likely to be picked on Day 3 of the NFL draft. Despite being overlooked, his production and tape still should catch the eye of a contending team trying to improve its defense.

In a recent mock draft , analyst Matt Miller has Bishop Fitzgerald heading to Cincinnati . Miller has the Bengals selecting Fitzgerald with pick 189 in the 6th round.

The two biggest reasons for the Bengals missing the playoffs every season since 2022 have been the defense and the health of Joe Burrow . This past season, both of those factors struck the Bengals once again. The Bengals defense has gotten younger now and has finally moved on from Trey Hendrickson .

Adding Fitzgerald to this defense would be another great young piece who can add to the Bengals' getting turnovers. No matter where Fitzgerald has been, turnover production has followed him. He is a ball-hawking safety who is great in coverage and is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the run game.

Safety Jordan Battle had a breakout year last season with 112 tackles and 4 interceptions, Bishop Fitzgerald would be the perfect compliment next to him. Bengals will still be able to use their assets at other needs as well while getting this upgrade.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Bishop Fitzgerald is a big sleeper in the 2026 NFL draft