The Cincinnati Bengals do not spend this mock draft chasing splash. Instead, they go hunting for answers.
In Rueben Bain Jr., Kamari Ramsey, and Darrell Jackson Jr., the Bengals invested three straight picks in defenders who hit, think, and finish, retooling Al Golden’s unit with a disruptive edge, a tone‑setting safety, and a massive interior anchor. This is not a reboot so much as a recalibration: Three pieces designed to transform Cincinnati’s defense into the kind of physical, versatile, closing group that can help carry the Bengals deep into January.
Pick No. 10: Rueben Bain Jr., 6-3, 270, Edge, Miami
Bain has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive line prospects in his class, combining a powerful frame with rare first-step explosiveness. At Miami, Bain quickly established himself as a disruptive force, showcasing the ability to win with both speed and leverage. His build allows him to anchor effectively against the run while still maintaining the agility needed to pressure quarterbacks off the edge. Bain’s hand usage and natural strength enable him to consistently shed blockers and collapse the pocket. In short, he plays with a relentless motor, which reflects both high effort and strong football instincts.
What makes Bain particularly valuable is his versatility and polish for a young defender. He has demonstrated the capacity to line up across multiple techniques, functioning as a traditional edge rusher or sliding inside in certain packages, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in scheme design. His pass-rushing arsenal continues to expand, featuring a blend of power moves, quick counters, and the closing burst needed to finish plays. Bain projects as a high-upside defender capable of becoming a foundational piece of an NFL defensive front.
For teams seeking an impact lineman with three-down potential, Rueben Bain Jr. represents a compelling blend of production, physical tools, and developmental upside.
Pick No. 41: Kamari Ramsey, 6-0, 205, Safety, USC
Ramsey is a redshirt junior who began his college career at UCLA before transferring across town. Across two seasons at UCLA and USC, he amassed 100 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pass breakups, 3 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions while starting all 22 games he has played.
On the field, Ramsey’s game is built around instincts, physicality, and versatility in coverage. He is known as a reliable tackling machine with strong form, diagnosing run and screen concepts quickly and closing with authority to limit yards after the catch. In coverage, he shows fluid movement skills, good range for deep assignments, and the ability to match up in man against receivers and tight ends.
Pick No. 72: Darrell Jackson Jr., 6-5, 337, DL, Florida State
Jackson is a physically imposing interior defensive lineman who is widely regarded as one of the more intriguing defensive tackle prospects. He combines rare size with long arms (reported 35″) and heavy hands that help him to anchor against double teams and control the line of scrimmage.
Jackson is seen as a high-ceiling prospect whose stock hinges on technical refinement. In Jackson, Cincinnati gets the interior size it has been lacking, early-down run-stopping, and a player with long-term upside and starter potential.
What do you think of this three-round haul for the Bengals? Let us know in the comments section!
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