Without a first-round pick, the Bengals heavily invested in defense and pass protection with their remaining seven picks
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick for the first time since 1989, a consequence of trading the 10th overall selection to the New York Giants for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. What they produced without that premium capital was a class of seven players built almost entirely around defense at the top and offensive depth in the middle and late rounds.
After spending north of $200 million reshaping this roster in free agency, the draft served as the finishing touch on what has been dubbed the most aggressive offseason in franchise history. Three defenders, Cashius Howell, Tacario Davis, and Landon Robinson, bookend four offensive selections in Connor Lew, Colbie Young, Brian Parker II, and Jack Endries. But the big question is how each of these pieces will fit on the Bengals’ roster.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (Round 2, Pick 41)
The SEC Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American, Howell finished with 11 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and six passes defensed in 2025. Analysts called him a twitchy mover who sets up tackles with his pacing, and noted the Bengals can afford to let him be a specialist while also having the ability to contribute as a full-time presence.
A great combination of speed and power, Howell is ready right out of the box to fill that need. He joins Myles Murphy, Boye Mafe, and Shemar Stewart on the edge, which means he likely won't start immediately. His path to the field in 2026 runs through situational pass rushing and special teams, with a realistic shot at a rotational role by mid-season.
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (Round 3, Pick 72)
When healthy, which he wasn't last year, Davis is a whale of a corner. He is a big cover man at nearly 6-foot-4 who is aggressive in making plays on the ball, and should benefit immediately from improved pressure up front via Lawrence and Howell. With Cam Taylor-Britt gone in free agency, Davis could step in and start opposite DJ Turner II from day one.
Hip fluidity and transition quickness in man coverage remain legitimate developmental concerns, but the starting cornerback job is his to lose. At 21 years old on a four-year rookie deal, this pick has long-term roster construction written all over it.
Connor Lew, C, Auburn (Round 4, Pick 128)
Lew is coming off a torn ACL, which pushed him down draft boards. The good news is that the Bengals don't need him to start. As a matter of fact, they hope he doesn't have to play at all this season.
Ted Karras is returning for a fifth season, but Cincinnati needed to add a backup center. Lew is good in pass protection and has starter potential once he's healthy. Redshirt year in 2026, starter candidate in 2027.
Colbie Young, WR, Georgia (Round 4, Pick 140)
A 6-foot-4 target with deep speed, he will join a talented receiving corps that already features Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Young has the potential to be a dominant No. 3 receiver and will compete immediately with Andrei Iosivas for that slot.
His injury history and off-field concerns mean nothing is guaranteed, but the physical tools give him a legitimate shot to contribute in year one in red-zone and jump-ball situations.
Brian Parker II, OT/C, Duke (Round 6, Pick 189)
Parker has some versatility, so Cincinnati taking Connor Lew earlier is not a problem. Parker is just a good value in the sixth round. He worked out at center during the Combine and should have the strong hands and grip strength needed to hold up against opposing defensive tackles. He will back up Karras while Lew recovers and provides insurance across multiple spots on the line.
Jack Endries, TE, Texas (Round 7, Pick 221)
Endries compiled 124 career receptions for 1,376 yards across four seasons at Cal and Texas, playing alongside Fernando Mendoza and Arch Manning. He was projected to go significantly earlier, around pick 158, and his fall is entirely the Bengals' gain. Endries gives Cincinnati legitimate pass-catching competition behind Erick All Jr. and brings a chip on his shoulder after sliding deep into Day 3.
He has good hands, is a quality route runner, and should help as an in-line blocker. The Bengals view this as a tremendous value pick, and Joe Burrow will love throwing to him. He has a real chance to make the 53-man roster.
Landon Robinson, DT, Navy (Round 7, Pick 226)
Robinson posted a 79.8 PFF grade in 2025, racking up 64 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks while earning First-Team All-American honors and the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award at Navy.
He enters a loaded defensive tackle room behind Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and B.J. Hill, and will compete for a roster spot against the likes of Kris Jenkins Jr. At 5-foot-11 and 293 pounds he's undersized, but his explosion and production at Navy suggest a legitimate shot at making the 53. He could become a seventh-round steal if the Bengals can keep him.