The Cincinnati Bengals have not been able to live up to their lofty expectations over the last few seasons.
Whether it was because of their league-worst defense or injuries to key players like Joe Burrow, Cincinnati will miss the postseason for the first consecutive season. Changes need to be made this offseason, otherwise the Bengals risk losing the patience of their franchise quarterback.
It starts with the defense in 2026, though, and with 2024's sack king, Trey Hendrickson, expected to depart in free agency thanks to his poor relationship with the team, Cincinnati should be investing their premier draft capital into a pass rusher.
Bengals land Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. In 2026 mock draft
Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness has the Bengals drafting Miami edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. With the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"The Bengals are still looking to bolster a struggling defense. It would be fitting for them to draft an edge defender who has question marks about his measurables but was a stud production-wise a year after doing the opposite last year by picking Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart," wrote McGuinness.
"Bain has earned PFF overall grades of 87.6 and 91.7 in run defense and as a pass rusher, respectively, in 2025 and has the size to kick inside to rush in obvious passing situations."
Bain would be a perfect addition to Cincinnati's league-worst run defense. They currently give up an average of 156 yards per game to opposing teams.
The Miami edge rusher wouldn't be an overnight fix, but it's a step in the right direction for a Bengals team trying to rebuild its defense from the ground up.
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- Adam Schefter says teams are 'taking notice' of Joe Burrow's recent comments
- Bengals predicted to address position of dire need in 2026 mock draft