.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a fantastic spot in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. They are selecting 10th overall, and also own the 42nd, 72nd, 110th, 189th, 199th, 221st, and 226th picks in the draft.
But the reason why they are in such a great spot isn't the depth of their class, but rather what the 10th pick does for the Bengals in this spot.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak also believes that there's not a team in a better spot than the Bengals with this pick. The reason why is simple: with the clear need for defense, this is a fantastic draft slot to be in.
Bengals in great spot with 10th pick of NFL Draft
"In my opinion, no team is sitting in a better position than the Bengals at No. 10," Solak writes. They have defensive needs at every level of the depth chart, and their confidence that a top-10 talent falls into their lap should be fairly high."
The Bengals should be able to stick and pick at the 10th pick and land an immediate impact defensive starter. Put another way by Solak, "Draft the best defensive player at No. 10. Profit."
But, how would this exactly work? Why can the Bengals be so confident at the 10th pick, with nine teams picking ahead of them, that they'll land a good defensive player?
The math is simple. Fernando Mendoza is going first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Then the New York Jets are set to go for one of the edge rushers, David Bailey or Arvell Reese. Whoever doesn't go will likely be scooped up shortly thereafter.
More: Caleb Downs would be a perfect pick for Bengals at No. 10
That means only six more players could go before the Bengals pick. Fortunately, there is an abundance of defensive options worth taking with the 10th pick.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles could fall down the board. Miami edge rusher Ruben Bain Jr. is trending down, while at cornerback, the Bengals could go Jermod McCoy or Mansoor Delane. All would be good options at 10.
That's six players the Bengals could go with the 10th pick, all of which are very realistic options at this draft slot. But more importantly, it would be a massive surprise if all six went before Cincinnati.
Jermiyah Love is expected to go earlier than 10th overall, while wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson have received top-10 buzz as well.
Along the offensive line, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Monroe Freeling, and maybe even Kadyn Proctor could go top-10.
More: Bengals fans should be confident in $40M Bryan Cook signing for 60% reason
If even one team takes an offensive player, the Bengals would be guaranteed to get one of the top defensive players in this year's class.
But, even if all six go before the Bengals pick, they could take Love, trade down for a haul for an OL or WR, or take Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman a little higher than he might be projected to go.
The Bengals are in a great spot in this year's draft, as they are essentially guaranteed to land a defensive starter if they want one at the 10th pick. And they may get lucky and see Downs, Bain, or Styles fall to the 10th pick as well.
While the Bengals will have to wait for a little while on draft night, they're in a great spot to take the best defensive player available, regardless of who it is.
English (US)