Analyst Paul Dehner’s final mock draft, rewritten to account for the Lawrence deal, envisions Cincinnati sticking to defense while filling needs on the line and at other spots on Day 2.
The Bengals’ 41st overall pick is projected to land Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, a decorated the defender who earned unanimous All-American honors and multiple national awards last season. Rodriguez posted 317 career tackles, 6.0 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 13 forced fumbles, and he has drawn pre-draft interest from Cincinnati.
In the third round, the mock has Cincinnati selecting Miami offensive tackle Markell Bell with the 72nd overall pick. Bell did not allow a sack in the past season, offering the protection Joe Burrow will need to succeed.
Day 3 would begin with the 110th pick, Daylen Everette, a Georgia defensive back, adding depth to the Bengals’ secondary. The 189th pick would follow with Landon Robinson from Navy, another defensive lineman, and at 199th, Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas would be selected to bolster the receiving corps.
The mock concludes with two later selections: 221st by Houston tight end Tanner Koziol and 226th by Indiana center Pat Coogan. While trades remain possible, this outline highlights how Cincinnati might address defense and offensive-line depth after the Lawrence trade, shaping its approach to the remainder of the draft.
