The NFL Draft is right around the corner, which means analysts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are working overtime as they play out every possible scenario leading up to the actual draft — at which point both will be turned off and put into storage.
McShay, the host of “The McShay Show,” was recently breaking down the first round, and when he got to the No. 10 pick, he found himself stuck between two options—Miami (FL) edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or a cornerback.
The Bengals lost Trey Hendrickson, their only consistent pass rusher, to free agency. They do have Myles Murphy, who showed some flashes when he got consistent playing time last season, and Shemar Stewart, last year’s first-round pick, but that combination only looks good on paper right now.
Adding Bain has the potential to give the Bengals a trio of potential pass rushers that the Bengals could work with. He’s the defending ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and he would likely be a starter in his rookie season.
And then there are the cornerbacks the Bengals could use their first-round pick on. Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy are the two corners most analysts believe Cincinnati could take at No. 10. Delane, out of LSU, won the Jim Thorpe Award for being the nation’s top defensive back, was First-team All-SEC, and First-team AP All-American. He broke up 11 passes, had 45 tackles, and two interceptions.
McCoy’s a different story. He suffered a torn ACL in January while training. He was able to return to practice on a limited basis in August, but he never made a game appearance in 2025. However, on his Pro Day on March 31, he ran a 4.34 40-yard dash and pretty much solidified his status as a first-round pick.
If McShay is correct and the Bengals’ top targets are Bain, Delane, and McCoy, it’s very possible they could select whoever is available when they go on the clock after the Chiefs make their selection.
Would you be happy with one of the three? If they were all available at No. 10, who would you choose?
Sound off!
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