Cincinnati Bengals NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

If Bain is available here, it's difficult to imagine the Bengals passing. They signed ex-Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe to a big contract in free agency and also have former first-rounders Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart in the picture, but Cincinnati is still lacking dependable pass-rush production.

Cincinnati has addressed the defense in free agency, but a hole at cornerback opposite of DJ Turner remains unanswered. Delane has strong man-coverage technique and ball skills to go along with good size at 6 feet, 187 pounds. He finished up his college career with a season at LSU after three years at Virginia Tech.

Delane's season in Baton Rouge solidified his first-round status, as opposing QBs completed only 27.7% of their passes when he was the targeted defender (the third-lowest rate in the FBS). Cincinnati allowed a completion percentage of 65.2% last season (19th in the league).

Cincinnati's linebacker corps really needs help; Hill has as much splash play production as any linebacker in the class. He racked up 17.0 sacks and seven forced fumbles in three seasons, with natural movement skills defending the pass as well.

He missed last season with a torn ACL, but word is he's made a nice recovery. He's the best cover player in this class when healthy. The Bengals could use another corner.

With Downs, Bain Jr. and Styles all plucked, the Bengals investigated trading out but couldn't find takers. It would have been ideal to move back, pick up another Day 2 pick and likely still snag McCoy, but the Bengals have never been shy to stick to their evaluation and take their best player at a premium position. McCoy's ball-hawking ability separates him in the Bengals' eyes and fills a thin position around DJ Turner and Dax Hill. All of this comes under the assumption that he tests well at his pro day and looks fully recovered from his January 2025 ACL tear. — Paul Dehner Jr.

This would be a bit of a nightmare scenario for the Bengals. Defensive player after defensive player snatched up before they pick at No. 10. Keldric Faulk is an option, but the Bengals might dread selecting two project type edge defenders in two straight drafts (they selected Shemar Stewart last year). They still end up getting a supremely talented player in McCoy. He did not play last season, but he's still looked at as a high-end cornerback prospect because of what he put on film before his injury in January 2025. He has the potential to be a real needle mover on the outside for the Bengals who could allow the Bengals to kick Dax Hill inside more often.

Arguably the star of this year's combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical leap) he put on display, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety is too good to pass up for a defense in transition — and might only fall this far given teams like the Giants, Commanders and Saints invested in off-ball linebacker during free agency. But the Bengals can clearly use some help there, and it wouldn't hurt to have an athletic, cerebral leader like Styles — he's also a native Ohioan — take the reins.

The Bengals can take the best defensive player available here. Downs has versatility, and his Big Ten pedigree will be well received by Cincinnati's decision-makers.

Even with Boye Mafe in the fold, the edge rush leaves a lot to be desired. But with Bain off the board, there isn't a pass rusher whose value fits here. The Bengals would have to reach for Missouri's Zion Young, Auburn's Keldric Faulk or Miami's Akheem Mesidor, and it's just too early for any of those guys. But Cincinnati was also one of four teams to give up more than 7 yards per opponent dropback in 2025, and it would love to have a true No. 1 corner. Delane can make plays on the ball (11 pass breakups, two interceptions last season) in either man or zone coverage.

Sure, the Bengals gave Boye Mafe $20 million per year to help replace Trey Hendrickson at edge rusher, but I can't get over what I saw in the College Football Playoff, and I don't think anyone will ever say, "We have too many pass rushers." My favorite part about Bain's game isn't when he's able to get pressure in advantageous situations. Rather, it's his motor. He goes eight million mph on every single snap. I don't care about his arm length — just watch him play.