Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bengals Make Big Move, Add Game-Wrecker in New 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Zach Pressnell | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 9:29 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals had one of the worst defenses in the league last season. It's they needed to upgrade this unit during the offseason. They have one of the best offenses in the league right now, so they're a league-average defense would help them become a Super Bowl contender again.

They added Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen in free agency. They haven't added an impact player in a trade. They can't afford to head into the season without making more upgrades to the defense.

Bengals Haven't Added Enough in Free Agency

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While Cook, Mafe, and Allen are all solid additions for Cincinnati, it's not enough to completely revamp the defense. The Bengals also lost a few key players, including former Defensive Player of the Year candidate Trey Hendrickson.

But it seems like they're done adding in free agency. They still have a few draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the No. 10 pick, to help add to the defense ahead of training camp.

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson put together a three-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 10 pick in the first round of the draft, Wilson projected the Bengals would select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods to bolster their defensive line.

Peter Woods is a Very Intriguing NFL Draft Fit for Bengals

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"This isn't quite worst-case scenario for Cincy, but it's not great, either. The defense desperately needs edge-rush help," Wilson wrote. "And with Bailey, Reese, Bain and even Styles off the board, Plan B would be Downs ... who the Chiefs grabbed at No. 9. Woods isn't a bad consolation prize -- the D-line could use reinforcements -- and the Bengals did add Boye Mafe in free agency."

This wouldn't be the best case for the Bengals. Players like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Rueben Bain Jr. were all off the board by the time they were on the board.

But Woods should help bolster one of the biggest roster holes in Cincinnati. The Bengals had one of the worst defensive lines and run defenses in the league. They added Allen to help, but that's not going to be enough to completely revamp the defense.

Woods is a game wrecker at defensive tackle. It's hard to find a talent like his in the middle of the defensive line. If the other top defensive players are off the board, Woods would be a good selection for the Bengals.