The 2026 draft is now behind us. The Bengals ended up making seven selections in rounds two through seven. They spent their first round pick on the trade to acquire Dexter Lawrence. Let's take a look at the first four picks the Bengals made this past weekend and their potential to help the team this season or in seasons to come!
Maxx Crosby was the topic of many offseason trade talks. The biggest story being the trade, and then cancelled trade, with the Baltimore Ravens. That deal sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first round picks. Whether the Ravens actually saw something in the physical they did not like to fail him, or they got cold feet like many believe, the trade was cancelled. Crosby was back on the trade block for any team to offer up their best package in exchange for the dominant edge rusher. Were the Bengals one of those teams to make an offer? Let's talk about it.
Is this real life? Did the Bengals actually trade their first top 10 pick in 5 seasons less than a week before the draft? Did the Bengals already extend the player they traded for to a contract that keeps him in Cincinnati for the next 3 seasons? Yes. Yes to all of the questions! What an exciting time to be a Bengals fan. Let's talk about it!
I will be the first to tell you that the Bengals have not done enough so far this offseason. There are still some holes in the defense that can be addressed before the draft. The best free agents at the positions of need are all signed, but there are still players who add value available. I believe the Bengals need to add another Edge, a Cornerback, and another Defensive Tackle.
