Major Outlets Have Bengals Drafting Offense in 2026 Mock Drafts

 The Athletic and CBS Sports dropped 2026 NFL mock drafts this week as the 2025 cycle wraps up. Dane Brugler from The Athletic has Cincinnati rolling with Miami (FL) offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at Pick 26.

Both sites determined the draft order by reverse Super Bowl betting odds.

"The younger brother of Francisco Mauigoa," Brugler wrote. "Who was drafted this past weekend by the Jets. Francis Mauigoa was a big-time recruit for the Hurricanes and has started all 26 games at right tackle over the last two years. With improved consistency in 2025, he will put himself in the conversation to be a potential first-rounder."

Mauigoa is currently ranked eighth on the consensus big board and second among offensive tackles.

Josh Edwards from CBS Sports slotted Texas running back CJ Baxter to Cincinnati at Pick 25.

"For some, Notre Dame running Jeremiyah Love is the top running back prospect in this class, but Baxter's freshman year was really encouraging," Edwards wrote. "Now, he is returning from injury. The last three running backs that I included in way-too-early mock drafts were Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Ashton Jeanty. Baxter is not in the same class as those three players, but there is a lot to like."

Baxter is ranked 77th on the consensus big board and fourth among running backs.