Bengals 7-round mock draft: Blockbuster trade shakes up Cincinnati's strategy
The Bengals sent the 10th overall pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence. How will they attack the 2026 NFL Draft now? Here's a new 7-round mock draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a blockbuster deal less than a week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in an effort to improve their long-struggling defense. The Bengals acquired star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. Cincinnati will send New York the 10th overall pick in the draft to complete the deal, which is subject to Lawrence passing a physical examination that is expected to occur April 19.
Two people with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed the trade to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis and Tyler Dragon. The people requested anonymity because the move is not yet finalized. Lawrence spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Giants.
The 2019 first-round pick was voted into three Pro Bowls during that time and twice made the NFL's All-Pro second team. The Bengals will be hoping Lawrence – a 340-pound nose tackle – can improve a run defense that allowed a league-worst 147. 1 yards per game during the 2025 NFL season.
They also will hope Lawrence can improve upon the career-low 0. 5 sacks he posted across 17 games last season. Acquiring Lawrence will also alter Cincinnati's draft plans.
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