Joe Burrow Cincinnati Bengals
Getty
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with 8 total selections throughout the 7-round event.
Take a look at their picks as of the current moment.
Round 1, Pick 10
Round 2, Pick 41
Round 3, Pick 72
Round 4, Pick 110
Round 6, Pick 189
Round 6, Pick 199
Round 7, Pick 221
Round 7, Pick 226
Cinci has pretty much been simulated by everyone who does mock drafts to take a defender at 10th overall. It would make sense, given their defensive overhaul this offseason.
However, there is apparently a “dream” scenario for these Bengals, which does align with the trend of defenders being mocked to Cincinnati.
Bengals’ ‘Dream’ 2026 NFL Draft Scenario
Zac Taylor, Bengals sign QB, Joe Burrow injury
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently revealed his list of dream draft scenarios for every NFL team. For the Bengals, it’s a pretty simple one.
“Everyone focuses on positional value in the first nine picks, leaving our No. 1 prospect, Caleb Downs, for the taking. Landing the Buckeye would be a dream scenario for a defense that is in desperate need of a young star to build around.”
It makes all of the sense in the world. The Bengals need safety even with the acquisition of Bryan Cook from the Chiefs. Downs has also played 2 years of football in Ohio with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Downs is seen as a “can’t miss” prospect, but his position as a safety brings him a bit down draft boards. It’s still extremely likely that Downs is gone at 10th overall, but if he’s available, then expect the Bengals’ selection to be made very quickly.
Cinci Receives Strong Take About WR Tee Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates with Ja’Marr Chase #1 after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of the game at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently released a list of who they believe is the most valuable asset of every NFL franchise. For the Bengals, it was WR Tee Higgins.
“While Joe Burrow may not be thrilled, the Bengals need to address their defense to better complement their top-tier offense. Higgins brings reliability and big-play ability, even with some injury concerns, and his contract structure offers cap flexibility for both sides.
He has shown flashes of true No. 1 receiver ability but is arguably the league’s best No. 2, instantly elevating any passing attack. Moving Higgins would allow Cincinnati to reshape its receiver room while acquiring valuable draft capital or defensive help.
His proven chemistry with an elite quarterback in a high-volume passing offense makes him a highly valuable trade asset.”
Should the Bengals trade away Higgins, they could receive legitimate draft capital to further solidify a defense. It’s hard to say how Joe Burrow would react to one of his best playmakers being cast away, but he could be sold on trading him to fortify a defense that has kept them from having more legitimate Super Bowl opportunities.