Bengals’ obvious interest in 2026 NFL Draft hidden gem all makes sense after revealing his thoughts on the team

Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson has been all over the Cincinnati Bengals’ radar, and Robinson himself has been intimately familiar with the Bengals himself for his entire life.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Navy’s Blake Horvath (11), middle left, head coach Brian Newberry, Landon Robinson, and Navy Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte pose for a photo as they become the new AutoZone Liberty Bowl champions after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats on Jan. 2, 2026 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.
Navy’s Blake Horvath (11), middle left, head coach Brian Newberry, Landon Robinson, and Navy Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte pose for a photo as they become the new AutoZone Liberty Bowl champions after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats on Jan. 2, 2026 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. © Stu Boyd II-The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals have become intimately familiar with Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson.

The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year for the American Athletic Conference has had at least four points of contact with Cincinnati going back to January. The Bengals have not hidden their interest in him.

Robinson being fond of the team helps explain that.

The 23-year old revealed to NFL insider Jordan Schultz his father was a big Bengals fan, and would love to end up playing for Cincinnati.

Robinson was born and raised in Akron, much closer to Cleveland Browns territory, which makes his orange and black connection even more special. The Bengals must think he’s pretty special as well considering all the times they’ve met with him.

Bengals defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery first coached Robinson at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Cincinnati had an official meeting with him at the event. Robinson was then scouted by the Bengals at Navy’s pro day. This week, he came to Paycor Stadium for his final pre-draft visit.

Bengals can easily make Landon Robinson’s dream come true

Robinson was mighty productive at Navy and is an elite athlete despite measuring in at 5-11. That height may be what makes the NFL pass on him during the opening rounds of next week’s draft.

The A to Z Sports Mock Draft Database has Robinson’s Average Draft Position (ADP) at No. 146, equating to a late fourth-round pick. Cincinnati has the No. 110 overall pick in the fourth round, but does not possess a fifth-round pick. The Bengals’ next pick is No. 189 overall in the sixth round.

Selecting Robinson in the fourth looks to be in their future. Trading up for him a round later could also be on the table if Robinson slips out of the fourth. Cincinnati has four picks between the the sixth and seventh rounds.

Predicting any pick beyond the first round is almost always a fruitless task, but the Bengals have showed their affinity for Robinson. Him returning the favor makes their interest all the more valid.

Draft Robinson to the Bengals with the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator!

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