This past Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots dropped the Cincinnati Bengals to 3-8 on the year and essentially ended any hope of the Bengals making a comeback and returning to the playoffs after Joe Burrow returns this week. The Bengals jumped one spot to the 8th pick this week. Let’s take a look at what the Bengals could do in the 2026 NFL Draft using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Round 1, Pick 8: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
David Bailey has been one of, if not the best, pass rushers in the nation this year. According to PFSN’s CFB Edge Impact Score, Bailey has the highest score in the nation at 92.9, three points higher than the next closest. Bailey is a quick-twitch athlete who has demonstrated good hand use and a variety of pass-rush moves. He could step in and be a Hendrickson replacement and bring much-needed pass rush to the Bengals.
Round 2, Pick 39: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is the type of safety that can help change a defense. He can play single high and two high alignment, as well as drop into the slot if needed. He isn’t afraid to flow downhill in the run game and tackles well. As a true freshman, he recorded six interceptions for Purdue, showcasing his strong ball skills. Geno Stone is an upcoming free agent, and Thieneman could step into his role perfectly.
Round 3, Pick 70: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Caleb Banks is a pick based on his potential. Banks broke out for the Gators in 2024, putting up 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. He scored an 80.7 on PFSN’s DT Impact Score, while putting up nine QB hits and eight splash plays, which was good for 19th in the country. Banks is a freak athlete who has shown multiple solid pass-rush moves. A foot injury has kept him out of action for most of 2025, but his upside is as high as any DT in the draft.
Round 4, Pick 109: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
The Bengals have arguably the best wide receiver duo in football in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, their third wide receiver has been less than stellar this season. Zachariah Branch is unlike any receiver on the Bengals’ current roster. He isn’t the biggest receiver, listed at just 5’10” and 180 pounds, but his electric speed and playmaking ability are top-notch. His score of 84.8 is good for the 6th-best receiver in college football this year, according to the PFSN WR Impact Scores.
Round 6, Pick 185: Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
Riley Mahlman has been a starter for the Wisconsin Badgers for the last three seasons at right tackle. Mahlman has shown a strong base and the ability to handle power rushers on the edge, while also using his large frame to push speed rushers around the arc to protect his quarterback. He has shown himself to be solid as both a run and a pass blocker and could be a swing tackle as a rookie with the ability to be a starter down the road.
Round 6, Pick 196: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The Bengals’ backup quarterback plan is in question moving forward. Jake Browning was terrible this season, and Joe Flacco is soon to be 41 years old. Drew Allar is a former five-star recruit who failed to reach his potential at Penn State. Allar has elite arm talent and can make every throw on the field. Allar has good size and athleticism as well. He certainly has flaws, but his reaction to pressure and mechanics are two of the biggest. However, the Bengals need a backup QB, and the risk is worth it here.
Round 7, Pick 216: Austin Romaine, LB, Kansas State
The Bengals’ linebackers have been bad to say the least this season, but they were both early picks in the 2025 draft, so they aren’t likely to take another one with a high pick. Romaine is a skilled athlete who has demonstrated ability in both the running and passing game. His instincts are top-notch as well. While being a good athlete, he isn’t an elite athlete, and that shows up in his coverage at times. It would be a good addition to a linebacker room that needs more talent in Cincinnati.
Round 7, Pick 220: Ricardo Hallman, CB, Wisconsin
The Bengals will likely be losing Cam Taylor-Britt in the offseason to free agency and will need to add some depth to the cornerback room. Hallman isn’t the biggest corner, but he has shown strong coverage ability. His size will likely lead to struggles against bigger receivers and limit his effectiveness in the run game, but he has demonstrated good ball skills and the ability to stick with receivers.
