It is never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft and Pro Football Network got the ball rolling with a three-round mock draft that has some interesting selections for the Cincinnati Bengals. Things have not gone according to plan for Cincinnati following this year’s draft, as they’re in a contract standoff with first-round pick, defensive end Shemar Stewart, who will undoubtedly be a big boost to their defensive line.
Here’s a look at PFN’s 2026 three-round mock draft selections they have for Cincinnati:
Round 1, Pick 26: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU:
Coming over from Virginia Tech, Delane is an electrifying playmaker in the secondary and should see himself as a first-round pick next year. In 2024, Delane had 7 passes defended, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, with 54 tackles to show his all-around complete game. Delane would be a major upgrade in the Bengals secondary which was one of the worst in the NFL last season.
Round 2, Pick 58: Jaeden Roberts, OG, Alabama
An absolute force at the right guard position, Roberts would be an intriguing second-round prospect to add as the Bengals continue to look to build better protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. Roberts had to work his way up to the starting lineup for the Crimson Tide but his raw strength and good technique should lead him to have his name called early in next year’s draft.
Round 3, Pick 90: Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa
Continuing to overhaul their secondary, the Bengals take another defensive back early in this mock draft. Nwankpa’s numbers don’t jump off the paper with the Iowa Hawkeyes, but his game tape continues to improve as he shows the makings of a starting caliber safety in the NFL. After drafting Jordan Battle in the third round of the 2023 draft, Cincinnati takes Nwankpa to make an interesting duo in the back of their secondary.
There’s no denying the Bengals biggest needs are on the offensive line and the defense. After using early picks on the defensive front seven in this year’s draft, Cincinnati could most certainly turn their attention to the secondary in next year’s draft as they add more pieces for new defensive coordinator Al Golden.
