Grading the Picks: Bengals make their great offense even better to round out Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals had three selections in the final two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Duke OL Brian Parker II, Texas TE Jack Endries, and Navy DT Landon Robinson round out this year’s class for Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals ended up with two fourth-round picks thanks to a pick-swap with the New York Jets. After selecting Auburn center Connor Lew and Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young, Cincinnati was left with three picks in the final two rounds.
The No. 189 pick in the sixth round became Duke offensive tackle Brian Parker II. No. 221 pick in the seventh round became Texas tight end Jack Endries. Lastly, the No. 226 pick in the seventh round became.
Bengals keep Brian Parker II home in Cincinnati to protect Joe Burrow
This was a home run pick. Plain and simple. Parker’s expected draft position was No. 106 according to the A to Z Sports Mock Draft Database, and his pass blocking production and athleticism testing validated that projection. For him to fall all the way to the sixth round is ludicrous on paper.
To put the cherry on top, Parker also went to Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School after moving to the greater Cincinnati area when he was in third grade. Landing amazing value who’s also a hometown hero? Absolute banger.
Grade: A+
Texas TE Jack Endries joins a packed room of weapons
It was a tight end-heavy draft early on, and Texas’ Jack Endries ended up falling as much as Parker did relative to where he was expected to be drafted (No. 158). His fall is the Bengals’ gain as they add a well-rounded receiving option at the position.
Cincinnati has four TEs on the roster who played snaps last season, but adding legitimate competition to push the group with Erick All Jr. coming back is a smart call. Value and talent make this a great pick.
Grade: A
Bengals turn Navy DT Landon Robinson from fan to player
This was special to watch. Landon Robinson has been all over the Bengals’ radar this pre-draft cycle, and the Bengals have been a part of Robinson’s life since childhood. His dad was a big fan despite the family living much closer to Cleveland than Cincinnati in Akron.
As a player, Robinson brings exceptional explosion despite being a tad undersized at 5-11, 293 pounds. He has a shot at making the team over the likes of Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson, but it will take a really productive offseason.
Grade: A-
