Dexter Lawrence will not be the only new player joining the Cincinnati Bengals this week. The 2026 NFL Draft will provide several rookies, and even more undrafted free agents will follow.

Cincinnati was expected to address the defensive line in the draft before sending its first-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for Lawrence. That specific need may have already been filled in the eyes of the Bengals, but there are more positions that need attention before the draft concludes.

It’s already been an unpredictable draft for the orange and black, but here are three predictions for how Cincy will approach the remaining six rounds.

Defense will still be addressed first

A three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is a great start, but the rest of the defense still needs couple pieces. Cornerback and linebacker are position groups that have been particularly neglected this offseason. CB Ja’Sir Taylor was signed to a veteran minimum deal a few weeks back, but there isn’t a new LB in the building just yet.

That is expected to change before Saturday ends, and it may arrive early Friday evening when the Bengals pick at No. 41. Corner is definitely on the table as well, especially if Avieon Terrell falls to the second round.

Cincinnati should pick a few offensive players, but even with the Lawrence trade, its first pick on a draft prospect will be a defensive player.

The final number of picks won’t be seven

The Bengals have always prioritized maximizing the number of swings they have in the draft. Trading No. 10 for Lawrence is a stark deviation from that mindset, and it means one of two things to me.

• They will focus on recouping their lost pick
• They will be more willing to get a better at some point

Either Cincinnati will be hellbent on trading back for another swing before the sixth round, or the Lawrence trade has opened the window to really go all-in and trade up for an even better player sometime before the later half of Day 3. The Bengals have four picks between the sixth and seventh round, giving them ammo to make a move sometime on Day 2 if they please.

Major need will be left out in the cold

No matter how many picks Cincy ends up with, the likelihood of all pressing needs receiving an impactful draft pick are very slim.

CB and LB are the biggest on defense, but a defensive end, swing offensive tackle, and backup center are all needed as well.

Unless the Bengals get very creative with trades, there just won’t be enough picks to fill every important need remaining. This will matter after the draft when it comes time to attracting UDFAs, and veteran free agents looking for playing time.

Fulfill your own predictions with the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator!