Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati Bengals have one more game this season, and while the team is focused on finishing the season strong, offseason assessment mode is right around the corner, as well. Of course, as it goes with this team, their central focus is on the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite looking to finish the season strong and looking to end things with a third consecutive win, this disappointing season has the Bengals currently slotted with a high pick in April’s draft class. As things currently stand, headed into Week 18, Cincinnati is slated with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round.
Oddly enough, the Kansas City Chiefs currently hold the pick before Cincinnati at No. 9, while the team the Bengals beat in Week 16, the Miami Dolphins, sits right behind them at No. 11. The Raiders currently hold the top pick, followed by both New York teams (the Giants and Jets, respectively), per Tankathon.com. The Cleveland Browns, whom the Bengals host this week, sit at No. 6 overall.
Cincinnati’s needs are aplenty heading into this year’s class. Additional help at all levels of the defense, a swing/depth offensive tackle, and a true slot receiver should all be on the docket for picks in a few months.
Rumors began swirling over the past couple of weeks that teams may be calling this spring to see about Joe Burrow’s availability. But, with the offense’s recent surge these past two games, the fun appears to be reignited with him in that span, and no real indication of a Burrow trade being in the realm of possibility at this point, Cincinnati will likely look to further add to their defense again this draft class with a sprinkling of offensive help.
One oddity with the current top-10 is in how many teams either possess a franchise quarterback or believe they have one with a very recent investment. This includes the Bengals, Chiefs, Titans, Giants, and Commanders. One or some of these teams may use their spot for a trade back with others in the middle of the round, should they want to leap up for a signal-caller.
