2026 NFL mock drafts are starting to go all in one direction with the Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round pick
The 2026 NFL Draft is only a week away. Most mock drafts from major figureheads have the Cincinnati Bengals taking LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 10 pick in the first round.
We’re getting to that point where mock drafts are becoming final predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals are still viewed as a team that will go defense with the No. 10 pick in the first round.
Shocking, I know.
NFL insider Todd McShay’s most recent mock has Cincinnati going with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The general sentiment is Downs will not fall past the Bengals, but other big names in draft media see a different defensive back heading to Cincinnati.
NFL mock drafts pivoting to Mansoor Delane
McShay wasn’t the only big fish in draft media to post a mock Wednesday. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler each chose a defensive back for the Bengals at No. 10 overall.
They each went with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane instead of Downs. It continues a movement over the last week that sees Delane as the player mocked to the Bengals the most.
Delane recently took a 30 visit in Cincinnati and is generally regarded as the top cornerback prospect in this year’s draft. The only minor concern about him was his speed, and he quelled those fears with a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day last month.
Formerly a three-star recruit who played his first three years of college ball at Virginia Tech, Delane transferred to LSU and was named a unanimous All-American in 2025. He was the first to earn that accolade for the Tigers since Joe Burrow.
The Bengals’ interest in Delane is no surprise.
DJ Turner II and Dax Hill are each entering contract seasons, creating a long-term need at one of the most important position groups in the locker room. Delane would still likely be expected to play as a rookie considering how often injuries occur at the cornerback position, especially for the Bengals. The fourth CB on the team has averaged 459 snaps a season going back to 2021, per The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.
Delane would be an easy pick for Cincy to make if he’s available. Determine where he lands with the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator!
