Bengals predicted to land 9.5 sack pass rusher 10th overall to replace Trey Hendrickson

This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals should have one goal: improve the defensive side of the ball.

After a rough 2025 season, in which the defense was far behind the offense, the Bengals cannot waste another season with poor defensive play. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins won't be around forever. Capitalizing on their play now is a must.

That's why 10th overall should be a defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft. And ESPN's Field Yates agrees, predicting the Bengals will take a defensive lineman with 9.5 sacks to replace Trey Hendrickson as the veteran is set to leave this offseason.

Bengals predicted to draft 9.5 sack pass rusher 10th overall

At 10th overall, Yates predicts that the Bengals will wind up taking Miami Hurricanes pass rusher, Ruben Bain Jr. The star defender who was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year would be an awesome addition for the Bengals.

"The Bengals are desperate for defensive help across the board, but it's hard to achieve much in the NFL without a forceful pass rush," Yates writes. "... With Trey Hendrickson likely moving on this offseason, Bain would fit nicely here."

Bain is a rare player, combining some incredible sack production, 20.5 over the last three seasons, with some great physical traits.

His incredible strength and quick hands make Bain a very appealing draft day target for teams in need of pass-rusher help.

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With so much talent, Bain falling to 10th overall would give the Bengals a no-brainer decision to take the star pass rusher.

Yates' prediction would be an incredible one for the Bengals, as Bain is one of the best defensive linemen available in this draft, and could go as early as the second overall pick.

Bain is a great pass rusher, and coming off a strong season for Miami that got them to the National Championship Game against Indiana, Bain's stock has never been higher.

Getting Bain would be an incredible turn of events for the Bengals, especially since he most likely won't fall nearly this far. But, if Yates' prediction comes true, the Bengals will be getting what could be the steal of the draft at 10th overall.

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