The Cincinnati Bengals could land three top-50 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft via trade with the New York Jets.
The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a 6-11 season, and trade-down scenarios remain a realistic option. In his latest mock draft, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com projects a deal with the New York Jets that would send Pick No. 10 and Pick No. 110 to New York in exchange for Pick No. 16 and Pick No. 44.
Trading the 10th overall pick ultimately results in Cincinnati having three top-50 players instead of having just one top-10 selection. The Bengals who also hold Pick No. 41 will add another pick that sits near the top of the second round, where starting-caliber defensive players are typically available.
Cincinnati’s defense ranked 30th in total defense in 2025, and although there have been multiple free agency additions, the front office still needs to address its depth and select a potential franchise linebacker. Adding a third top-50 pick increases the likelihood of landing more than one immediate contributor.
At No. 16, Hobson projects Cincinnati selecting Keldric Faulk, an edge defender from Auburn.
Faulk measures 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds and appeared in 37 games, finishing his college career with 109 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Despite his impressive resume, Faulk’s 2025 production dropped to 29 tackles and two sacks, which is a key reason he is not viewed as a top-10 prospect in most mock drafts.
Nevertheless, Faulk possesses some great qualities that could make him a solid addition for the Bengals. The 20-year-old posted a 9.10 Relative Athletic Score, placing him among the more explosive defensive linemen in the class.
ESPN’s Field Yates wrote in his scouting report that Faulk identified his physical profile and run defense as translatable strengths.
“Faulk has excellent overall size and length, including an 82-inch wingspan,” Yates said. “He's not a rusher who wins with quickness off the snap, but rather someone who can get to the quarterback with size, length and smooth strides around the edge. Faulk must develop a better and more diverse rush plan against offensive tackles, but he also provides value as a sturdy run defender who can play from a variety of positions.”
His size, length and power consistently show up against the run, where he is effective at setting the edge and controlling blockers. He also offers flexibility, with the ability to play as a traditional defensive end or reduce inside in certain packages.
Nevertheless, there are a few limitations the Bengals would likely need to work with. Evaluations consistently note underdeveloped hand usage, a lack of pass-rush counters and inconsistent finishing ability. He generates pressure but does not consistently convert it into sacks.
Faulk’s role in Cincinnati would be defined early. He would contribute primarily on early downs, focusing on run defense while rotating as a pass rusher. However, with Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy already in the lineup, Faulk would not be required to produce immediately as a primary edge threat, which allows time to develop his pass-rush technique.