Bengals live their best life in latest NFL Mock Draft by snagging multiple ideal targets for their defense
Cincinnati would run to the podium for all three picks.
Free agency will be all about the defense for the Cincinnati Bengals, and until those signings become reality, that’s what every NFL mock draft looks like for the Bengals as well.
Cincinnati needs help all over its defense. A new linebacker is needed to elevate the play of incumbent starters Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. Pass rushing help is in dire need of a boost, especially along the interior of the defensive line. The cornerback room could use a nickelback to compete with Jalen Davis, and a long-term option at the position as well.
All three needs were taken care of in A to Z Sports’ latest 3-round mock draft put together by Rob Gregson and Adam Holt, and the players slotted for the Bengals are perfect fits.
Bengals land a dream haul in latest 3-round NFL Mock Draft
10. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
41. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
72. Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
Styles to start things off would be an incredible first-round selection. The 21-year old had a phenomenal showing at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.46 40-yard dash and jumping 43.5″ and 134″ in the vertical and broad jumps, respectively, after measuring in at 6-5 and 244 pounds. He came into Indianapolis last week as a top-16 prospect to begin with, and left as a lock to be picked in the top-10.
The idea of Styles falling all the way to the Bengals feels unlikely at this point, but Cincinnati would gladly take him at this point in time.
“Great value here. Styles could go as early as second overall after decimating the combine. He is a cerebral leader on defense, and his versatility at his size will be incredibly enticing for any NFL team.” — A to Z Sports’ Adam Holt
Snagging Woods in Round 2 would be another great value pick for the Bengals. Viewed as a top-10 pick prior to this past season, Woods is now considered a fringe first-round prospect after not testing at the combine, but his production as an underclassman from 2023-24 remains promising if he can land with a defense that knows how to use him. He did have a formal meeting with Cincinnati in Indy as well, so there’s interest.
Scott is an older prospect, turning 25 in August, and that showed this past year playing the slot for the U. Scott’s best traits are physicality for his size as he made plenty of key stops in run defense for Miami. Some may view him as a safety, but the Bengals need help at both positions and could find a role for him immediately.
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