Bengals find all kinds of value sandwiching two big swings on traits with their seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals have wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft class with seven picks, with three defenders in Cashius Howell, Tacario Davis, and Landon Robinson sandwiching four offensive players in Connor Lew, Colbie Young, Brian Parker II, and Jack Endries.
The final results for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 NFL Draft class are in.
Cincinnati’s draft started late as its first-round pick was used for acquiring Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. The following two picks were also used on the defensive side of the ball, and then a run of offensive players occurred in the heart of the draft.
Bengals’ 2026 draft class
Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bengals meant business this offseason building up their pass rush, and Cashius Howell is a great addition to the reconstruction. He’s one of the most productive edge rushers in this year’s class despite sub-31″ arms and a body type (6-2, 253 pounds) Cincinnati has historically avoided at the position. He figures to be an instant contributor on passing downs behind Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy.
Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Cornerback depth was a big need for the Bengals, and they specifically targeted length at the position. Tacario Davis brings that trait more than any other defensive back in this year’s draft with arms just under 34″ while standing 6-4. There are technique questions with the 21-year old, but he can become an immediate asset in subpackages against big-bodied receivers and tight ends.
**Bengals traded picks No. 110 and No. 199 to the New York Jets for picks No. 128 and No. 140**
Round 4, No. 128: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Ted Karras’ new backup is only 20 years old and comes with plenty of movement skills. Connor Lew was projected to be drafted on Day 2, but his torn ACL from last October was the likely reason why he lasted until the back-half of the fourth round. He only played center in college, and that should be the expectation for him in Cincinnati once he fully recovers from his injury.
Round 4, No. 140: Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
The Bengals’ added pick from their draft trade was spent on a towering 6-5 wideout in Colbie Young. The 23-year old has an imposing combination of height, weight, and speed as he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash after weighing in at 218 pounds, but he’s missed ample time the past two years with injury and was off the team for most of 2024 due to an arrest. Charges against Young were dismissed, and Cincinnati is taking a chance he stays locked in.
Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
Double-dipping at offensive line gave the Bengals tremendous value with Brian Parker II. Consensus big boards had Parker ranked significantly higher than the middle of the sixth round. He played left and right tackle for Duke and was given a shot at center during the East-West Shrine Bowl. Cincinnati needed a swing tackle and depth all over the line, and Parker should provide that. He can even backup Karras while Lew recovers this offseason.
Round 7, No. 221: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
Another fantastic value pick! Jack Endries was expected to go off the board early on Day 3 but fell due to an odd run on tight ends early in the draft. He was a productive receiver for both Fernando Mendoza at Cal, and Arch Manning at Texas. He also has a chip on his shoulder for not being drafted earlier. “I’m going to make every team that didn’t [expletive] draft me pay.”
Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
It was written in the stars, was it not? Cincinnati met with Robinson at least four times throughout the process going all the way back to coaching him at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Even with the trade for Dexter Lawrence, there was a long-term need for a defensive tackle, and Robinson himself grew up a Bengals fan! A very fitting way to close out the draft for the Bengals.
- Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
- Round 4, No. 128: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
- Round 4, No. 140: Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
- Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
- Round 7, No. 221: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
- Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
Final Word
There are a couple bets being made on measurables here in Davis and Young, but every other pick presented the Bengals with great value relative to the board. Their needs were also met outside of linebacker, which figures to be addressed following the draft.
