Bengals’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals were a team with clear aspirations but equally clear deficiencies. The secondary had become a primary concern, needing both length and a higher football IQ. At the same time, the interior of the offensive line remained a persistent issue.

Beyond protection, the Bengals needed a more consistent pass rush from the edge to complement their defensive interior. They also neededs a versatile, big-bodied receiving option. The departure of key veterans during free agency only heightened the stakes. This was not a draft where Cincinnati could afford to miss.

Defining pre-draft swing

The defining move of the Bengals’ draft weekend came before a single pick was even made. By trading their No. 10 overall selection to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence II, Cincinnati made it abundantly clear that they were prioritizing certainty over projection. With this move, the Bengals anchored their defense.

That decision shaped everything that followed. With Lawrence commanding attention in the middle, the Bengals shifted their draft focus toward building around that presence. The goal was to create waves of pressure, layer the defense with complementary pieces, and ensure that opposing quarterbacks would never have a clean pocket.

Now, let’s look at each of Cincy GM Duke Tobin’s 2026 draft picks.

Round 2, pick 41, EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas

Grade: A+

When Cincinnati selected Cashius Howell at No. 41, it was an immediate home run. Howell brings elite burst, bend, and closing speed. Those will translate seamlessly to the professional level. His ability to win off the edge complements Lawrence perfectly, creating a dynamic where offenses can no longer simply double-team one player and survive.

This pick maximizes the value of the Lawrence acquisition. Howell doesn’t need to be the focal point. He just needs to exploit the chaos-and that’s exactly what he’s built to do.

Round 3, pick 73, CB Tacario Davis, Arizona

Grade: B-

Tacario Davis is a fascinating projection. At 6-foot-4, he brings rare length and physicality to a Bengals secondary that desperately needed both. This reflects some developmental uncertainty, particularly in terms of technique and consistency. However, the upside is undeniable. In a division filled with big-bodied receivers, Davis offers a stylistic counterpunch that could pay dividends quickly.

Round 4, pick 112, C Connor Lew, Auburn

Grade: A

Connor Lew might be the most important offensive addition in this class. A polished technician with a deep understanding of protections and hand placement, Lew addresses one of the Bengals’ most pressing needs. He has the potential to stabilize the interior of the offensive line and serve as a long-term anchor for an offense built around Burrow’s precision and timing.

Round 5, pick 140, WR Colbie Young, Miami

Grade: C+

Colbie Young is an intriguing addition, though the fit raises questions. The Bengals’ receiver room is already crowded. This limits his immediate impact. However, his size and catch radius make him a valuable red-zone weapon. The pick reflects that tension-solid talent, but a less-than-urgent need.

Round 6, pick 189, OL Brian Parker II, Duke

Grade: A-

Brian Parker II brings exactly what the Bengals have been trying to cultivate along the offensive line. That’s toughness. He plays with a physical edge, embracing contact and finishing blocks with authority. Parker adds depth and competition, which are essential for sustaining offensive line performance over a long season.

Round 7, pick 221, TE Jack Endries, California

Grade: A

Jack Endries might quietly become one of the best value picks in this class. He can contribute as both a blocker and a receiver. He also offers immediate utility in multiple packages. The pick is about value and flexibility. Endries gives the Bengals another reliable option in the short passing game while enhancing their ability to disguise formations.

Round 7, pick 226, DT Landon Robinson, Navy

Grade: B

Landon Robinson may not generate headlines, but he fits the Bengals’ defensive philosophy perfectly. Disciplined, technically sound, and relentless, Robinson understands leverage and gap integrity at a level that belies his draft position. This is a classic late-round value pick. Robinson provides depth behind Lawrence while reinforcing the physical identity Cincinnati is clearly trying to build.

Big step toward contention

When evaluating the Bengals’ 2026 NFL Draft grades for every pick, one thing becomes abundantly clear. This was a draft rooted in purpose. Cincinnati didn’t chase trends. They addressed realities. The acquisition of Dexter Lawrence set the foundation, and every subsequent move built upon it.

The defense is now more physical, more disruptive, and better equipped to handle elite competition. The offense, meanwhile, gained the structural support it desperately needed to protect its most valuable asset.

This wasn’t a perfect draft, but it didn’t need to be. It was a smart one. And that might be exactly what pushes the Bengals over the top.