On Friday night, Cincinnati held picks No. 41 and No. 72, positioning them to reinforce the defense further. Hall-of-fame-style pundits and reporters suggest the Bengals could pursue another cornerback and a versatile linebacker, aiming to add depth behind a developing roster.
Experts have highlighted several potential targets in the second round. Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech has drawn mixed assessments, with some projecting him as a top target in the class for the Bengals due to his playmaking ability and turnover generation. Others believe the Bengals may prioritize a cornerback or inside-outside linebacker to maximize flexibility with current and future contract timelines.
In addition to Rodriguez, several linebackers—CJ Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), and Jake Golday—are on the radar. If the team passes on linebackers in the second round, offensive line and cornerback options such as Brandon Cisse, Treydan Stukes, D’Angelo Ponds, Avieon Terrell, and other linemen may come into consideration, depending on the board and medicals.
The Bengals’ decision-making on Day 2 could also hinge on how they value inside-outside versatility at cornerback, as depth at that position remains a priority. If Cincinnati elects a cornerback early in the second round, it could shape subsequent picks and the overall defensive emphasis for the 2026 season.
Round 2 and Round 3 of the NFL Draft begin in the evening, offering Cincinnati multiple avenues to bolster the defense, with a focus on stabilizing the secondary and improving linebacker play to complement their existing core. The club remains centered on building a more flexible, playmaking unit through strategic selections on Day 2 and Day 3.
