Bengals Facing Mansoor Delane, Reuben Bain Jr. Decision Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Despite some notable additions on defense, the Cincinnati Bengals head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a roster that will still lean heavily on its offense. Last season, Joe Burrow and the passing game remained the team’s identity, but defensively, the results were uneven. The pass rush lacked consistency at times, while the secondary struggled to hold up against top-tier receivers.

That leaves Cincinnati in a spot where multiple defensive upgrades make sense, particularly early in the draft. Two names that continue to come up in projections are Miami edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Both players bring strong résumés, but they solve different problems.

In Mel Kiper Jr.’s final mock draft, the Bengals are expected to select Delane at No. 10 overall, with Bain going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 7.

But what happens if Bain falls lower down the draft, with Delane also still on the table?

Bain’s production at Miami is hard to argue against. In 2025, he totaled 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, while generating consistent pressure throughout the season en route to the Hurricanes’ national championship appearance. His 67 total pressures and a pass-rush win rate of 23.5% point to a player who affects quarterbacks on a regular basis.

There’s also evidence of clutch production. Bain logged 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in Miami’s postseason run alone, indicating he can elevate against top competition.

Scouting reports consistently highlight his play strength and technique. Bain relies on powerful hands and a strong base to win at the line of scrimmage, and he has shown the ability to convert speed into power effectively. He has also graded well against the run, which adds to his value as a three-down defender rather than a situational pass rusher.

There are still areas evaluators continue to debate. His arm length is below the typical threshold for NFL edge rushers, which can make it harder to disengage against longer offensive tackles. Some scouts view that as a limitation that could cap his ceiling, while others believe his technique and effort level help compensate.

Delane’s profile is built more on consistency in coverage. At LSU, he developed a reputation as a cornerback that quarterbacks preferred to avoid. He posted an elite 90.7 PFF coverage grade in 2025 and was targeted just 14 times across 138 man-coverage snaps

Widely regarded as the top cornerback in the class, Delane earned First-Team All-American honors and consistently shut down opposing receivers. Across his college career, Delane recorded 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions.

From a technical standpoint, Delane is considered one of the more polished corners available. He shows strong route recognition, fluid movement skills and comfort in both press and off coverage. Those traits suggest he could step into an NFL role without a long adjustment period.

But there are also some limitations noted in scouting evaluations. He does not have elite top-end speed, and his aggressive approach can leave him exposed to double moves at times. Still, those concerns are generally viewed as manageable with coaching and experience.

Both players offer legitimate first-round value, and the decision likely comes down to what Cincinnati prioritizes more. Kiper’s projection leans toward Delane, but Bain remains a realistic option if the Bengals decide that improving the pass rush is the more urgent step.