The [Cincinnati Bengals](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cincinnati-bengals) have had a defense problem for a few years now.
They're far removed from the great unit that helped guide them to the Super Bowl in 2021, and have needed to rebuild that side of the ball for a while.
With long-time pass rusher Trey Hendrickson expected to depart in free agency, and Cincinnati's previous first-round edge rushers not performing up to expectations, it's likely the Bengals use their 2026 selection on a pass rusher.
Bengals predicted to select Auburn's Keldric Faulk in 2026 draft
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In ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller's latest mock draft, he has Cincinnati selecting Auburn edge Keldric Faulk with the eighth overall pick.
"Hendrickson will become a free agent after the season, and his return to Cincinnati is hardly guaranteed considering the acrimonious nature of his preseason holdout. Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample will also be free agents, leaving the Bengals with needs up front despite drafting Shemar Stewart in the first round this year and Myles Murphy in 2023," [wrote](https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47000736/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-matt-miller) Miller.
"Neither has had much of an impact, so perhaps Faulk could break through. At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, Faulk is built in the mold of Hendrickson with the power to lock out offensive tackles and the quickness to get to the quarterback. He has two sacks and 24 pressures this season and can rush from the inside and outside."
With this selection, Faulk can slide right into Hendrickson's role on the Bengals defense, while Cincinnati's brass hopes the combination of Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy can contribute to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
While not a full-on reconstruction of the defense, it's certainly a place to start for the Bengals as they try and turn their fortunes around on that side of the ball.
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