Bengals Can Finally Fix Major Weakness on Defense in 2026 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals could target top edge rush prospects in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Could Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey be the key to energizing their pass rush? James Rapien and Jake Liscow are joined by Joe Goodberry to analyze potential first-round targets and pinpoint potential day two and three gems in a deep and skilled edge rusher class.

We dive into prioritizing run defense and pass rush ability, prospect versatility, and who the Bengals might target based on their needs. Which prospects might join Boye Mafe Myles Murphy, and Shemar Stewart in Cincinnati’s retooled defensive front?

Players Discussed: 
David Bailey 00:02:19 
Reuben Bain 00:02:19 
Keldrick Faulk 00:02:24 
TJ Parker 00:13:46 
Akheem Mesidor 00:12:59 
Cashius Howell 00:16:44 
Zion Young 00:17:03 
R Mason Thomas 00:17:23 
Malachi Lawrence 00:17:55 
Gabe Jacas 00:18:38 
Derrick Moore 00:22:16 
Dani Dennis-Sutton 00:23:35 
Jaishawn Barham 00:25:13 
Michael Heldman 00:25:31 
Keyron Crawford 00:27:03 
Joshua Josephs 00:27:27 
Romello Height 00:27:51 
Kaden Curry 00:28:26 
Harold Perkins 00:28:30 
Trey Moore 00:28:53

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