Defense. That has been the Achilles heel of the Cincinnati Bengals for the past couple of years. And that will be the focus of this initial 2026 Cincy Jungle NFL Mock Draft. Maybe, just maybe, it will make a difference.
It’s still early in the game, and the Bengals currently hold the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. No one knows where they might end up, but we’re going to start with where they are now.
1st round: 8th overall pick: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)
Bain, at 6-3 and 275 pounds, is generally recognized as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. Bain has a unique blend of size and explosiveness, possessing the leverage of an interior defensive lineman with the speed and edge-rushing skills of a lighter player. In his three seasons, he has accumulated 95 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. So far in 2025, Bains has recorded 28 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, a pass deflection, and an interception.
Bain’s combination of size, quickness, and power makes him one of the most intriguing edge rushers in this draft class.
2nd round: Around 40th overall pick: Jermod I. McCoy, CB, Tennessee
At 6-0 and 193 pounds, McCoy is widely regarded as one of the top defensive back prospects in the draft. He is noted for his high football IQ, exceptional coverage skills, and ball-hawking ability, with good instincts and anticipation in zone coverage.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in January 2025, McCoy demonstrated strong tackling skills with 31 tackles, four interceptions, and seven passes defended in the 2024 season. He makes up for any lack of elite speed with his technique and anticipation, and has proven to be a versatile, instinctive defender with potential as a shutdown cornerback. He earned numerous preseason honors, including All-SEC and Preseason All-American, and was regarded as a potential first-round selection before his injury.
3rd round: Around 72nd overall pick: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
Dunker is a 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman who plays primarily at right tackle but will probably move inside to guard at the NFL level. Dunker combines a rugged, powerful style with strong fundamentals and excels in run blocking. Dunker started 11 games in the 2024 season, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors, and projects as a long-term interior lineman.
4th round: Approximately 104th overall pick: Aaron Graves, DL, Iowa
Graves, 6-5 and 295 pounds, became a dominant force on the defensive line during his college career, where he accumulated 110 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and an interception. So far this season, Graves has started all seven games with 25 tackles, three-and-a-half tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. He was a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist and was named to several preseason watch lists for defensive awards.
6th round: Around 184th Pick: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Zion Young is a 6’5”, 262-pound senior defensive end at Missouri, known for his powerful frame, explosive counters, and ability to play all three downs. He has garnered early Day 2 grades from NFL teams and has shown a high ceiling with significant recent performance improvements, including 17 pressures over two weeks in the 2025 season. Young’s combination of size, athleticism, and production against top competition positions him as a mid- to late-round pass-rushing prospect with potential to contribute significantly at the next level.
6th Round, Around 200th Pick: Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
Clark, at 6-2 and 190 pounds, has developed into one of the most instinctive ballhawks in college football. Over five seasons, he has become a team captain and an All-Big 12 performer. Last year, Clark set a career-high with 67 tackles and has racked up 11 career interceptions.
7th round: Around 216th Pick: Rylan Kennedy, DE, Texas A&M
At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Kennedy is known for his blend of strength and speed, with a projected 40-yard dash time of 4.70 seconds. As a junior this year, he has accumulated seven tackles and one sack and shows a combination of athleticism and power. He also shows versatility with his ability to drop into coverage.
7th round, 232nd Pick: Kayden “Kane” McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald is 6-3 and 326 pounds and is one of the best pure run defenders in the 2026 draft class. He plays primarily on the interior of the defensive line and can hold his ground against double teams. McDonald also plugs rushing lanes with strong physicality and good closing speed for his size.
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