Bengals way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft projects same old issues for Cincinnati’s defense but lands an exciting solution

We’re already taking a sneak peak at the 2027 NFL Draft, and the Cincinnati Bengals could land one of the best players from a school they trust.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kj Bolden (4) tackles Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the second quarter during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome.
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kj Bolden (4) tackles Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the second quarter during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The month of April isn’t even over yet, and we already have an early teaser of what the 2027 NFL Draft can look like for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati technically added three defensive players with its first three draft picks last week if you count the No. 10 pick used to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. EDGE Cashius Howell, and cornerback Tacario Davis became the two top-100 picks the Bengals actually used to draft would-be rookies.

A to Z Sports’ Travis May sees the Bengals going back-to-back-to-back defensive players yet again in his first way-too-early 3-round 2027 NFL Mock Draft.

Bengals land top defensive prospect in 2027 NFL Mock Draft

The class of 2027 is already being hyped up as one of the best in recent memory, and it sounds like the Bengals could get a steal if they select in the middle of the first round.

Round 1, No. 17: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Round 2, No. 49: Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas
Round 3, No. 81: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson

Pick 17 should be KJ Bolden’s absolute floor in the 2027 NFL Draft next spring. He’s a tackling machine who can drop into the box, wreaking havoc with his click-and-close speed. He’s allowed just one reception that went for longer than 30 yards on nearly 1,300 snaps at Georgia. Bolden offers great balance as an instinctual deep safety who can play anywhere in the defensive secondary with success.

Travis May

A to Z Sports College Football Managing Editor

Bolden sounds like a do-it-all safety who’d pair well with Bryan Cook. The Bengals had definite interest in drafting former Ohio State S Caleb Downs before giving up their first-rounder for Lawrence, so investing the No. 17 pick at the position would definitely be on the table for another former five-star at a program they trust.

Cincinnati will hope to address new positions beyond 2026

Cincy addressed the safety position with Cook this offseason, and a third-round pick was spent on the future of the cornerback position in case one of DJ Turner II or Dax Hill leave in free agency. Significant trust is also being placed in starting linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr., and Barrett Carter.

Ideally, none of those roster spots will need top-100 picks like the ones in this mock.

The potential problem with safety is starter Jordan Battle is entering a contract year and there isn’t anyone on the roster signed beyond this season who’s fit to replace him. That said, a free agency addition could be on the table for a relatively affordable solution.

It’s simple to throw a bunch of defensive picks at the Bengals until that side of the ball is a firmly finished project. The 2026 season will determine if even more of the club’s premium draft capital needs to be used on that side of the ball.

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