10 Round 2 options for Bengals in NFL draft
The Bengals suddenly don't have a first-round pick. Here are 10 players they could target in Round 2.
With the Cincinnati Bengals trading the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, their first selection is now scheduled to come at No. 41 overall during Friday's second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with not having a top-40 pick, the Bengals can still come away with a productive and potentially impactful player at No.
41 if the board falls their way and they play their cards right. As we go into the draft, here are some names that should be on the Bengals board when they finally get on the clock on Friday. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Going to state now that this board will have plenty of linebackers on it.
The Bengals clearly need an upgrade at the linebacker position and there is a good chance they will hit on the position with their first pick. We'll start with Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, who was the "quarterback of the defense" for the Red Raiders, averaging 127 tackles over the last two seasons with 21. 5 total tackles for a loss.
Rodriguez's stock jumped even more following a strong week at the Senior Bowl. At 6'0" and 233 pounds, he may not have the best size for a linebacker, but he will be one of the more athletic linebackers in this class. His ability to stick his nose in and make plays should be very enticing for defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Continue to the original source for the full article.