The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, spearheaded by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
But it doesn't matter if you can score 40 points a game if your defense can't stop a nosebleed. Cincy's defense is ranked dead last in the league, giving up 410.5 yards per game of total offense.
That's why Pro Football Focus's latest mock draft has the Bengals targeting a defensive lineman, a position where they're especially weak.
Mock draft has the Bengals selecting Clemson DT Peter Woods No. 10 overall
Trevor Sikkema projects the Bengals to use their first-round pick on an interior defensive lineman, specifically Clemson's Peter Woods.
"The Bengals have drafted a defensive lineman in the top 50 in each of the last three drafts, yet they still need more impact along the front," wrote Sikkema.
"Woods didn’t deliver the season his potential suggests, but his ceiling remains very high. Safety Caleb Downs could also be a strong possibility here, depending on how Cincinnati views first-round value at the position."
While Caleb Downs would certainly be an awesome addition and bring back elite safety play they haven't had since Jessie Bates was on the team, the Bengals' run defense is atrocious and would be addressed with the selection of Woods.
Cincinnati gives up an average of 155.5 rushing yards per game, ranked last in the NFL.
There are still several moves the Bengals have to make in order to overhaul their defense, but Woods is a good first step in the right direction.
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- Bengals predicted to receive 'monumental talent upgrade' in 2026 mock draft
- Bengals likely to be without defensive end Trey Hendrickson for fifth straight game
- Ja'Marr Chase opens up on facing former Bengals teammate Chidobe Awuzie
- Joe Burrow brushes off re-injury concerns: 'I’m not going to live my life scared'