After losing to the Patriots in week 12, the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Ravens in week 13 before losing to the Bills in week 14. The Bengals’ playoff hopes are all but over, but where they are going to draft in the 2026 draft is still very much up in the air. Let’s take a look at how the Bengal’s draft could shake out if the season ended today. As always, I’ll be using the PFSN mock draft simulator.
Round 1 Pick 12 (Traded pick 10 to Dolphins for pick 12 and pick 86): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Now, I understand what you are saying; the Bengals don’t need a receiver, as they already have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, Higgins has missed multiple games every year, and the Bengals’ third receiver has been a big letdown this year. Tate is an elite route runner with top-flight body control. His 84.5 PFSN WR Impact Score is the 8th best in the country, and his yards per target is the best in the country.
Round 2 Pick 41: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
The Bengals’ safety play hasn’t been good this year, and Geno Stone is a free agent after the season. Haulcy has been one of the best safeties in college football this year. Haulcy has elite instincts and the ability to play both deep safety and in the box. He isn’t afraid to lay a hit in the run game either. His PFSN Safety Impact Score of 91.6 is good for sixth in the nation.
Round 3 Pick 74: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
DJ Turner has been one of the best corners in the NFL this season, and Dax Hill has also had flashes. However, Cam Taylor-Britt had a down year and then suffered a season-ending injury. Taylor-Britt is also a free agent after the season, and the Bengals need a replacement. Hezekiah Masses’ PFSN CB Impact Score of 92.1 ranks 6th in the country. Masses has strong man coverage skills and top-end ball skills with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Round 3 Pick 86 (From Dolphins): Anthony Smith, Edge, Minnesota
The Bengals’ pass rush has long been an area that needed upgrading, and next season, they may not have Trey Hendrickson or Joseph Ossai, both of whom are set to become free agents. They selected Shemar Stewart in the first round of this past draft, but he has been injured. 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy has really played well lately, but they need more. Smith fits exactly what they like in an edge rusher. Smith has elite size, and his 12 splash plays are suitable for the 17th most amongst edges according to the PFSN Edge Impact Scores.
Round 4 Pick 109: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
Harold Perkins is a player who can play multiple different roles for a defense. His ability to rush the passer, as well as drop into coverage and play the run, makes him a unique defensive prospect. Perkins’ 83.7 PFSN Linebacker Impact Score is good for 11th, and his nine splash plays are 16th in the country. He may lack an actual every-down position because of his size, but there’s no denying he makes impact plays, and the Bengals need that.
Round 6 Pick 187: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
The Bengals need some pass-rush help from the defensive tackle position, and Gracen Halton has the upside to help with that in the future. He won’t be ready as a rookie, but his athleticism and flashes of potential show promise. He needs to work on his hands and pass rush moves, but has shown the ability to use power to push the pocket and beat offensive linemen with quickness.
Round 6 Pick 196: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Drew Allar started this season as a potential number one overall pick. Then the season started, and Allar was playing poorly before an injury knocked him out for the season. Now, Allar is looking like a late-round pick. The Bengals need a talented quarterback behind Joe Burrow, and getting someone as gifted as Allar this late in the draft is something they can’t pass on.
Round 7 Pick 215: Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
Riley Mahlman is a veteran starter for the Wisconsin Badgers. Mahlman has played correct tackle for the Badgers and is likely to be a successful NFL player, but he has the talent to become a starter in the NFL someday. He has a strong base and the length to deal with quicker rushers around the edge. The Bengals need a backup swing tackle, and Mahlman can be that for them.
Round 7 Pick 224: CJ Donaldson, RB, Ohio State
Donaldson might not be the most talented running back on the board here, but his size is something the Bengals lack. With Chase Brown and Tahj Brooks under contract next season, Donaldson likely ends up on the practice squad, but if Perine gets injured, he could take his spot.
