Bengals receive credit for their thievery from the 2026 NFL Draft thanks to genius late-round pick
The Cincinnati Bengals selecting offensive lineman Brian Parker II in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft is viewed as one of the best steal picks of the draft according to an expert.
Finding long-term starters late in the NFL Draft is how sustainable NFL rosters are built. It’s what the Cincinnati Bengals need to do in order for Joe Burrow‘s Super Bowl window to actually last his entire career in the Queen City.
Brian Parker II has a chance to become that.
Cincinnati selected Parker No. 189 in the 2026 draft. He could’ve went off the board 80 picks ahead of then and no one would’ve blinked an eye. His quality of tape, pass blocking production, and athleticism testing all pointed to him going off the board in the heart of the draft.
The Bengals landing him in the sixth round was a steal, and it’s being recognized as such.
Brian Parker II considered steal of the sixth round
NFL Draft on SI’s Justin Melo tabbed Parker as the best steal pick from the sixth round of the 2026 draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals have needed improvements across the interior of their offensive line for years. In this draft, they came away with Connor Lew in the fourth round and Brian Parker II in the sixth round. The latter plays the center position with impressive technique and solid grip strength. Parker should make a successful transition from offensive tackle to interior blocker.
Justin Melo
NFL Draft on SI
Parker played both left and right tackle for Duke and is already being cross-trained at multiple positions along Cincinnati’s offensive line. The 22-year old told reporters last Friday he was working out at guard during rookie minicamp, and expects to be moved all around the line throughout the offseason.
“Being able to play all these positions is huge for me,” Parker said. “I kind of take it from a center approach. The center’s got to know what everybody’s doing, so once you lock in when you know it’s center, and it makes the other positions easier.”
Positional versatility is Parker’s calling card entering his NFL career. Verifying it will be what makes him the steal he’s proclaimed to be.
I graded the Parker pick an A+ at the time. If he proves to be a capable backup who keeps his head above water when given the chance during his rookie season, he’ll be well on his way to being one of the club’s best late-round selections in recent memory.