Cincy Jungle
Defense. That has been the Achilles heel of the Cincinnati Bengals for the past couple of years. And that will be the focus of this initial 2026 Cincy Jungle NFL Mock Draft. Maybe, just maybe, it will make a difference.
It’s still early in the game, and the Bengals currently hold the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. No one knows where they might end up, but we’re going to start with where they are now.
1st round: 8th overall pick: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)
Bain, at 6-3 and 275 pounds, is generally recognized as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. Bain has a unique blend of size and explosiveness, possessing the leverage of an interior defensive lineman with the speed and edge-rushing skills of a lighter player. In his three seasons, he has accumulated 95 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. So far in 2025, Bains has recorded 28 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, a pass deflection, and an interception.
Bain’s combination of size, quickness, and power makes him one of the most intriguing edge rushers in this draft class.
2nd round: Around 40th overall pick: Jermod I. McCoy, CB, Tennessee
At 6-0 and 193 pounds, McCoy is widely regarded as one of the top defensive back prospects in the draft. He is noted for his high football IQ, exceptional coverage skills, and ball-hawking ability, with good instincts and anticipation in zone coverage.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in January 2025, McCoy demonstrated strong tackling skills with 31 tackles, four interceptions, and seven passes defended in the 2024 season. He makes up for any lack of elite speed with his technique and anticipation, and has proven to be a versatile, instinctive defender with potential as a shutdown cornerback. He earned numerous preseason honors, including All-SEC and Preseason All-American, and was regarded as a potential first-round selection before his injury.
3rd round: Around 72nd overall pick: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
Dunker is a 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman who plays primarily at right tackle but will probably move inside to guard at the NFL level. Dunker combines a rugged, powerful style with strong fundamentals and excels in run blocking. Dunker started 11 games in the 2024 season, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors, and projects as a long-term interior lineman.
4th round: Approximately 104th overall pick: Aaron Graves, DL, Iowa
Graves, 6-5 and 295 pounds, became a dominant force on the defensive line during his college career, where he accumulated 110 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and an interception. So far this season, Graves has started all seven games with 25 tackles, three-and-a-half tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. He was a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist and was named to several preseason watch lists for defensive awards.
6th round: Around 184th Pick: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Zion Young is a 6’5″, 262-pound senior defensive end at Missouri, known for his...
