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2026 prospects 1.0
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Jax728 DRAFTING FOR THEBengals
Draft Selections
Draft Grade — Bengals
Overall
B-
ValueB
NeedB-
TradesB-
FutureB-
More right than wrong for the Bengals, and a B- to prove it. For all the names on the card, the loudest question went unanswered. The Bengals walked out of the weekend still thin at tight end, a hole that has a way of deciding seasons. It nets out to a B-, which feels about right.
They banked enough surplus on Downs to cover a lot of smaller sins. They are betting Jackson Jr. proves the room right and everyone else wrong. They went 5 of 8 on their needs, which is most of what a draft is for.
The back end got a real overhaul.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but tight end.
Pick Analysis
Pick10
Rnd1
Caleb Downs
In pick 10 they get a ballhawk on the back end at a price that makes it sweeter. Need was not the driver here.
Pick41
Rnd2
Zion Young
Zion Young at Round 2, Pick 9 is a clear overpay, with better names still on the board. It thickens a room that could stand to be thicker.
Pick72
Rnd3
Darrell Jackson Jr.
A premium they did not need to pay, Darrell Jackson Jr. a notch or two before his time. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Pick110
Rnd4
Blake Miller
They went early on Blake Miller in No. 110, and the value did not follow. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Pick187
Rnd6
Trebor Pena
By-the-book stuff, Trebor Pena at the 187th overall pick squarely in line with his ranking. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Pick197
Rnd6
Desmond Reid
Desmond Reid in the Round 6 slot is fair value, right on his grade. The roster fit checks out.
Pick226
Rnd7
Ethan O'Connor
Ethan O'Connor in slot 226 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.







