Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Football Take on Every Pick

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 3:16 AM ET

The Bengals have an odd way of drafting sometimes, but when they hit, they hit big.

They needed offensive linemen in this, but they went with an interesting twosome of centers and ignored other areas. They need more playmakers, but there isn't a ton of star power.

It's a good value draft considering they didn't have a first round pick, even if they didn't do everything they needed.

Bengals Draft Quick Hits

Best Value: Brian Parker, C/G Duke
Biggest Need: Offensive Linemen
Missed: Offensive Tackles
Big Call: Parker and Jack Endries will stick

What They Got Right

The Bengals crushed the Day 3 value. Considering Texas A&M's Cashius Howell was the only pick before Saturday, this was a must.

Howell should've been a first rounder. Centers Connor Lew and Brian Parker each went at least a round later than they should've, and tight end Jack Endries in the seventh round was ridiculous.

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What They Missed

Offensive linemen other than center. They took an injured Connor Lew at center, and got Brian Parker later.

Parker can play center if needed, but he'll be a guard. They didn't do anything at tackle, and there's a lot hanging on Parker being a rock.

Best Value Pick

Brian Parker, C/G Duke
Here's the problem. He's a tackle who's not a tackle at an NFL level, but he projects to end up at guard, and was likely drafted as a center.

He'll likely be a key backup/fill-in at all five spots, but he's not elite at any of them. Even so, he should've gone in the third round and lasted until the sixth.

Biggest Reach

Colbie Young, WR Georgia
He's fine, and he fits the mold of big Cincinnati receivers, but this was a deep class of okay receiver prospects, and he went about two rounds too early.

CFN Draft Grade

Grade: C
They didn't have a lot to work with, but they had several nice ideas. However, if you're banking on Day 3 to be your draft, you're screwed.

Either Lew or Parker have to be a strong starter for the next five years, and Howell has to be a terror for this draft to fly.

Bengals Draft Class

Round 2, (41): Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M
A great combination of speed and power. Ready right out of the box to fill a need.

Round 3, (72): Tacario Davis, CB Washington
When healthy - which he wasn’t last year - he’s a whale of a corner. Nice pick in the third.

Round 4, (128): Connor Lew, C Auburn
Patience is a must as he gets back from a knee injury, but he’s a second round caliber talent.

Round 4, (140): Colbie Young, WR Georgia
A 6-4 target with deep speed, he has the potential to be a dominant No. 3 target.

Round 6, (189): Brian Parker, C/G Duke
Wonderful pick, the problem is where to play the tweener. He’ll find a spot somewhere.

Round 7, (221): Jack Endries, TE Texas
Much, much better than a seventh-round pick, he’s a pure pass catcher who’ll stick.

Round 7, (226): Landon Robinson, DT Navy
Go ahead, it’s the seventh round. The guy never takes a play off, but he’s way too small.

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