Bengals 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati’s defense still needs major help following initial free agent signings
The job is not finished for the Bengals’ defense after one week of free agency.
The point of free agency in the short term is to allow freedom in the NFL Draft so long as the former goes before the latter. Filling dire roster holes with capable veterans so rookies don’t have that kind of pressure is how a team can avoid going 6-11 like the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati has managed to sign Bryan Cook to solidify the safety position, Boye Mafe to be a full-time starter at defensive end, and Jonathan Allen to fill out the top three spots in the defensive tackle rotation. These were all well-received additions, but the biggest needs remaining are still on the defensive side of the ball.
The Bengals still need a linebacker who can potentially start, and another DE who can play around 20 snaps a game. Those are not small weaknesses to note, and if free agency doesn’t provide solutions, the draft will be used to get the job done. A backup offensive tackle and various depth spots all over the roster are also on their radar even after left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was extended through 2028, and quarterback Josh Johnson was brought in as a backup option for Joe Burrow.
Let’s see what a Bengals mock draft would look like after the first week of free agency with those needs still on the table, and all eight of their picks locked in.
Round 1, Pick 10: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
I did not mention cornerback in the list of needs, but by addressing the defensive line and taking care of Brown last week, Cincinnati did position itself better to get ahead of a potential offseason problem. Both starting cornerbacks Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are vying for contract extensions this year. History tells us unless they combine forces ala Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the odds of both of them getting deals is very low. Jermod McCoy, who may be the top corner in this class when he’s fully healthy, would be a long-term solution to replacing either Hill or Turner, and provide the club leverage in those negotiations. It’s painful writing that last part, but that’s the lifestyle of the Bengals.
Round 2, Pick 41: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Not signing a linebacker was the most surprising, and disappointing, aspect of Bengals free agency thus far. Until one is brought in, the idea of selecting one early in the draft should not be dismissed. Jake Golday is the do-it-all backer they should’ve successfully required on the open market. He can play on the ball, get downhill against the run, and drop back into coverage quite well. This is a much stronger LB class compared to last year, easing the blow of spending another second-round pick on the position.
Round 3, Pick 72: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
It’s also a very deep class of EDGEs, and Derrick Moore may fall into the third round because of that. He’s got a bit more length (33.375″ arm length) and broadness (81.25″ wingspan) for being 6-4, 255 pounds, and had a pass rush win rate of 21.7% over the last two seasons according to Pro Football Focus. Likely top-10 pick Rueben Bain Jr. was at 20.8% in comparison. Moore would slide into a competition with Shemar Stewart to be the first DE off the bench behind Mafe and Myles Murphy.
Round 4, Pick 110: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
Brown did Cincinnati a solid by accepting a relatively cheap extension last week and it buys the club time to find a new starter at the position. In the interim, a swing tackle to compete with Cody Ford for that job should still be a requirement this offseason. Dametrious Crownover comes in at 6-7, 319 pounds with 35.375″ arms and an 86″ wingspan. He fits the mold of what the Bengals have invested at the position, and worked with assistant offensive line coach Mike McCarthy at the Senior Bowl.
Round 6, Pick 189: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
The Bengals could look to challenge wide receiver Andrei Iosivas in the slot this year and potentially replace him in 2027, so here’s another sixth-rounder to throw in the mix. Kendrick Law played two-thirds of his career snaps in the slot for Kentucky, averaged 9.02 yards after the catch per reception, and dropped only 3.4% of his targets.
Round 6, Pick 199: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
Landon Robinson got Cincinnati’s attention at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and further confirmed its interest at his pro day earlier this month. The 2025 American Conference Defensive Player of the Year was mighty productive despite being a sub-6-0 defensive lineman. His size will keep him low on boards, but a sixth-round swing may be worth it.
Round 7, Pick 221: Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
It’s not a very good QB class, but I could still see the Bengals drafting one if Joe Flacco is still biding his time. Behren Morton met with the team at the NFL Scouting Combine and was a productive passer in a historically productive passing offense for Texas Tech. Throw a dart to see if you can find a long-term backup behind Burrow.
Round 7, Pick 226: RJ Maryland, TE, SMU
Another confirmed combine meeting Cincinnati had was with tight end RJ Maryland. The 21-year old would be one of the youngest seventh-round picks in this year’s class, and the Bengals could benefit from more competition in the bottom of the position group.
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