The Bengals’ 2026 NFL Draft reflected a clear strategy: build depth, target high-upside players and continue reshaping the roster around a strengthened defensive front. Cincinnati entered the draft without a first-round pick after trading for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, then used seven selections over the final two days. Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner said the approach showed a focus on long-term development and roster balance. “I thought they did it. I thought it was really good,” Skinner said. “There was sound reasoning behind probably every pick.” The Bengals’ top selections came on Day 2, when they drafted edge rusher Cashius Howell out of Texas A&M and cornerback Tacario Davis from Washington. Both are viewed as potential contributors, though Howell may begin as part of a deep rotation on the defensive line. “I like the player. I’m not so sure I love the pick,” Skinner said of Howell. “He’s technically your fourth edge rusher at the moment.” The defensive line overhaul has been a central theme this offseason, with Cincinnati adding Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to create a deeper, more disruptive unit. "I think (the Bengals) got their value in Dexter Lawrence," said Mike Petraglia from CLNS Media. "I think that they addressed other things in this draft, in terms of their depth and the ability to have some added playmakers on defense. Looking back on it eight days later, I like the Dexter Lawrence move." The Bengals also addressed offensive line depth, selecting center Connor Lew in the fourth round and versatile lineman Brian Parker II in the sixth. “I think the value of this pick is just off the charts,” Skinner said of Lew, noting the 20-year-old’s experience and upside. At wide receiver, Cincinnati added Colbie Young, a physically gifted prospect with limited college production. Skinner called the pick a traits-based gamble. “The traits are off the charts,” he said. “I just can’t overlook the lack of production.” Day 3 selections focused on depth and developmental players, including tight end Jack Endries and Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson. Skinner said Endries’ competitive mindset stood out, recalling that the draftee said he would make every team that didn’t draft him pay. Overall, Skinner graded the Bengals’ draft an A-minus, citing a mix of immediate contributors and long-term prospects. "There is a high ceiling for all these guys. That's, I think the exciting part is these guys have a chance to, to take things to a whole different level," he said. "Literally every one of them, all the way down to, to Landon Robinson, the last pick they made at defensive tackle, there's a high ceiling for all these guys." "Here's another reason you get aggressive in free agency going into the draft," said Petraglia. "It allows you, I think, to take more chances on guys with higher ceilings, because if they don't work out, you do have, you address something else via free agency that presumably, uh, similar or the exact same position -- and I think the Bengals did that. I think they were more aggressive in free agency. They took a chance on higher end or guys with higher ceilings. Let's say that, put it that way. And I like that. I like that approach for a team that is trying to get more aggressive in that window with Joe Burrow." The Bengals may still look to add a veteran linebacker after the draft, as the position remains a question mark heading into the 2026 season.
