There are just under two months before the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Cincinnati Bengals have little margin for error. Star quarterback Joe Burrow admitted this past season that he's been unhappy due to injuries and the team's lack of success, as the squad hasn't made the playoffs in three years.

That's primarily because of the defense, as it's been below average across that entire span and finished 30th in opponents' points per game in 2025. Although it's never smart to draft for need, it would behoove Cincinnati to acquire defensive prospects in April's draft.

Here is a seven-round Bengals mock draft using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator:

Cincinnati needs help on all three levels of the defense, but especially the secondary. It finished 26th in football with 235.1 passing yards allowed per game, which isn't a recipe for ending its playoff drought.

Downs is "fluent in man or zone over the first two levels," via NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. The two-time unanimous All-American is also "at his best when deployed near the line as a box safety or big nickel back." He can pull his weight both as a pass and run defender, and the Bengals are deficient in both areas. They finished dead last in football with 147.1 rushing yards allowed per game.

If Cincinnati gets Downs, his versatility could help the defense take a much-needed step forward right away.

McDonald was a unanimous All-American in 2025 and could be another key addition to the Bengals' run defense. The 6-foot-3, 326-pounder broke out with 65 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, which is high production for an interior lineman.

Rodriguez is a disruptor, as his seven forced fumbles in 2025 tied a single-season NCAA record. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder also logged four interceptions and 128 tackles, showing his impact both in the pass and run game. 

Burrow has gotten hurt in two of the last three seasons, so Cincinnati can't get enough offensive line depth. Rutledge was a first-team All-American in 2025, and the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder could especially be an important pickup if the team doesn't re-sign right guard Dalton Risner. 

Prysock spent his first two years at Arizona before transferring to Washington for his last two. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder totaled 20 passes defensed in his career, but just two interceptions.

Masses showed ball skills as a senior at Cal this past season, totaling five interceptions and 12 passes defensed. 

Curry would give the Bengals a flyer at a premium position. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder led the Buckeyes with 11 sacks this past season and was fourth on the squad with 66 tackles.