NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati Bengals’ New Projected Pick After Free Agency Moves

After the first day of the legal tampering period in the 2026 NFL offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals began their mission of rebuilding the defense. In just the first four hours of the verbal agreement period between players and franchises, general manager Duke Tobin was able to attract former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe on a 3-year, $60 million deal and former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook on a 3-year, $40.25 million deal. 

This was a beautiful step in the right direction for a desperate defensive unit. They were statistically one of the worst in the league in 2025, and defensive coordinator Al Golden discussed his desire for leaders who can help with play-calling and game management on the field. Tobin got that and more for his defensive coordinator by acquiring three Super Bowl rings and four appearances between the two young stars. 

With most of the top free agents off the board, ESPN’s Field Yates derived his projected top-10 picks in the draft after seeing teams fill holes in their rosters. 

At pick No. 10, Yates has the Bengals selecting defensive end out of the University of Miami, Rueben Bain Jr. After tying for last in the NFL in pass rush win rate last season, Cincinnati must prioritize improving the defensive line, especially considering the departures of Joseph Ossai and the 2024 NFL Sack Leader, Trey Hendrickson.

Bain is not making his first appearance as the Bengals’ selection in a mock draft, but with key free agent signings mostly done, this may be the most significant mock selection. The former Hurricane was a consensus first-team All-American in 2025, along with receiving the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Ted Hendricks Award (best defensive end). He ranked first in quarterback hurries and second in pressures to match 9.5 sacks on the season through 15 games. 

Mafe will be a significant impact player right away for this defense, but he will assuredly need help alongside him. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected defensive end Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M. While there is still major upside and potential for the 22-year-old, he ranked dead last in the league last year for first-round pick production. This had much to do with him playing only eight games due to multiple injuries, but it’s important that he uses this offseason to make a real impact in his second season. 

Signing two free agents who were amongst the most valuable in their position is an incredible start for the 2026 offseason, but the Bengals should be far from finished. Cincinnati’s defense was not lackluster because of two positions; they should be looking to upgrade or improve across the board, and the next two positions of concern are linebacker and defensive tackle.