Bengals Pre-Scouting Combine Mock Draft: Identifying players who could enter the conversation after on-field testing
Cincinnati will meet with plenty of NFL Draft targets this week at the NFL Combine.
We’re going to learn a lot about the Cincinnati Bengals and the entire 2026 NFL Draft this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Which position groups are receiving the most interest from Cincinnati? Will there be any positions that appear stronger or weaker than we previously thought? Who will come away from Indianapolis feeling much better about their draft stock, and vice versa?
Let’s get ahead of it all with a new 3-round Bengals mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 10: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. has been an ideal target for Cincinnati ever since he put on a show during Miami’s run in the College Football Playoff. He’s a consensus top-five player in this year’s class, and as of now, it may be more likely than not he won’t make it to the Bengals’ No. 10 pick.
That could change this week when Bain has his arms officially measured for the first time. The 21-year old’s arm length is expected to be sub-31 inches, which could definitely be a red flag for clubs that could make him the first pass rusher taken off the board. It also potentially muddies his projection in terms of what position could be best for him.
There very well may be questions about Bain that emerge this week, and could lead to a slight fall in the draft. Cincinnati should pounce if given the chance.
Round 2, Pick 41: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The second round still feels like the sweet spot for the Bengals finding a new swing tackle, and future replacement for Orlando Brown Jr. Miller, a product of Northeastern Ohio, was a productive collegiate tackle whose pass blocking efficiency only improved the more he played.
“Miller isn’t a perfect prospect but he is an easy player to love, at least through my eyes. He’s a tough, scrappy, tenacious blocker who generally gets the job done with a combination of baseline physical skills and an any means necessary mentality.” — A to Z Sports’ Kyle Crabbs
Miller was mostly a right tackle in his four years of starting at Clemson, but he did make a couple starts on the left side for the Tigers in 2024. He’ll measure in around 6-6 this week and if he runs well, will solidify himself as a top-50 prospect in this year’s class.
Round 3, Pick 72: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Cornerback is another position the Bengals will look for future solutions in the draft. Neal was very productive in his lone season for the Razorbacks after spending three years at Fresno State. Progressing from the Mountain West to the SEC will look great in Cincinnati’s eyes, and the tape was very solid for the now 23-year old.
“Neal is your prototypical boundary corner with lockdown man coverage tendencies; he just so happens to do it in a safety-like build. The brawny defensive back can impose his will at the line of scrimmage and behind it in the run game, yet he has the traits to be a sticky defender who plasters opposing pass catchers. He doesn’t have elite change-of-direction skills, so he needs to shore up his eye discipline and ability to get his head around, but he has the physical makeup to be a starting corner in the league.” — A to Z Sports’ Rob Gregson
Don’t discount the Bengals drafting a cornerback over a safety, especially if a safety is found in free agency beforehand.
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