Bengals Trade Up, Land Lawrence, Fans Approve

0:00It's April 26th. NFL News Today starts now. AI powered and always on. The Cincinnati Bengals ditched their first round pick this year, trading the tempt overall selection straight up for all pro-defensive tackle dexter. Lawrence. That move was all about owning the line of scrimmage again, something they've struggled with since losing DJ Reader. Round 1 wrapped up with a frenzy on offensive lineman, leaving a bunch of defensive studs on the board. Fans started buzzing about whether the Bengals should trade back into the first to snag a falling talent. But according to a recent SB Nation survey, Bengals supporters weren't pushing for that at all. They trusted the front office to play it smart, without burning extra picks. Instead, the team grabbed edge rusher caches howl from Texas A&M at the 41st spot, a high upside pass rusher who might not have lasted much, longer. Trading back in could have cost them a third rounder from the 2027 draft or worse, but they landed a game-changer in Lawrence and Howe without the hassle. Front office and fans are both smiling for once after the first two rounds.