Bengals Target Edge Rushers & Linebackers in Draft

0:00On March 27th, the Cincinnati Bengals wrapped a free agency with four new signings, but they still need help a defensive end and linebacker. With top veterans off the market, the team is eyeing the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, where those positions look loaded according to experts. They added defensive end-boy Mafe, yet lost key players like Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Osai, leaving thin depth. At linebacker, they made no moves, so backups behind last year's struggling rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Night Junior remain scarce. Analysts rank edge rushers and off-ball linebackers as the draft's top two groups, full of potential starters early on. This lines up perfectly for Cincinnati, sitting at the 10th overall pick with more selections on day two at 41st and 72nd. Miami's Rubin Bain Junior could be a first round target for the edge, while Ohio State's sunny styles, the top linebacker prospect, as a local visit, lined up with the Bengals. Plenty of quality options should still be around even if the elites go early.

1:04That timing gives Cincinnati a real shot to address both spots without forcing bad fits, heading them up strong, heading into the draft.