Bengals Day 2 Mock Draft: Cincinnati addresses two major needs thanks to ideal board reset following first round of 2026 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals will finally be on the clock Friday evening, and many of their top targets are still on the board following the first round. Here is how Cincinnati could attack the second and third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Markel Bell (70) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Markel Bell (70) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. The Cincinnati Bengals have yet to be on the clock, but that will change after Day 2 begins Friday evening.

The board is in a great spot for Cincinnati. Only two cornerbacks and two linebackers were picked in the first round. The likely targets at defensive end are still available. There’s even a safety who could’ve gone on the first 32 picks still waiting to hear his name called.

Now that we know how the first round panned out, let’s predict how the next two rounds will go for the Bengals in our Day 2 mock draft.

Round 2, Pick 41: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (DB31) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

I still think they want this pick to be a cornerback, and with Avieon Terrell still on the board, I still think he’ll be the guy. The 4.64 40 time can be explained with his hamstring injury that shouldn’t be an issue long-term. Everything else about him screams Bengals. The Clemson connection, slot/boundary versatility, forcing turnovers, upside at 21 years old. All of it can’t escape my mind. He may not last to No. 41, but I have a hard time seeing him fall past that pick.

Round 3, Pick 72: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

Miami (FL) Hurricanes offensive lineman Markel Bell (70) celebrates after going up 31-27 against the Mississippi Rebels late in the fourth quarter during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale.

I had Michigan LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham in this spot for Monday’s final mock, but I’m pivoting to Markel Bell for a couple reasons. The run on offensive tackles did indeed occur during the first round with seven finding NFL homes. Adding long-term depth behind both Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims remains a major concern, and after Cody Ford’s pay cut, Cincinnati finding an upgrade before Day 3 is very much in play. Bell is the low-hanging fruit because he’s virtually the same size as Brown and Mims and was nearly unbeatable around the edge in pass protection for Miami.

Where’s the linebacker you might ask? In this scenario, expect to see one signed after the draft. Draft your own with the UPDATED A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator!

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