The Cincinnati Bengals, after a disappointing 2025 campaign marred by injuries to two of the team's biggest stars on both sides of the ball, need to bounce back in a major way next season.
While the 6-11 record stings, it did allow the Bengals to land the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With that top-10 pick, the Bengals need to land an instant-impact player.
ESPN writer Ben Baby is urging the Bengals to take a playmaker at this spot, and one that would make team history for the first time since 2010, over 15 years ago.
Bengals urged to land playmaker, break 16-year streak
"The Bengals haven't used a top-10 pick on defense since 2010, when they drafted linebacker Keith Rivers with the No. 9 pick. But they can't afford to follow history this time," Baby writes. "The team needs playmakers on defense."
Cincinnati has a star-studded offense, with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown being more than enough to contend.
Offensively, the team isn't lacking playmakers. But the same cannot be said for the defensive side of the ball. The Bengals need to add to their defense, whether it's a pass rusher or a defensive back; defense is a must this offseason.
More: Two reasons why Bengals fans should look forward to defense in 2026
Someone like Ohio State's Caleb Downs would be an incredible addition. While a safety might not be a popular pick, it would be a worthwhile one for a Bengals defense in need of all-around upgrades on that side of the ball.
Baby is calling on the Bengals to add a defensive playmaker in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and it's not hard to understand. The defense needs to get better, and the Bengals' best option in the draft will likely be a defensive player.
It's a logical decision, and one that the Bengals front office, led by Duke Tobin, should strong considering making. The Bengals should make some franchise history by taking a defensive player inside the top-10 for the first time since 2010.
More Bengals news:
- Bengals' Chase Brown believes average fan can gain one yard in an NFL game
- Bengals receive $33 million contract projection on Trey Hendrickson despite injury
- Bengals announce Zac Taylor decision after rough 2025 season
- Zac Taylor was mad for dumbest reason ever after Myles Garrett's record-breaking sack
- Ja'Marr Chase says issues Bengals need to change are 'pretty obvious'
- Bengals urged to make aggressive Chase Brown contract decision