Grading the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft: Smart Value… With a Couple Risky Swings

The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft just days removed from the Dexter Lawrence trade—and make no mistake, this roster is better today than it was a week ago.

But don’t confuse “better” with “perfect.”

This was a draft built on value, trench upgrades, and calculated risks. Cincinnati stuck to its board, didn’t panic, and walked away with seven picks—the same number they started with—even after maneuvering on Day 3.

Four offensive players. Three defensive additions. A clear effort to balance both sides of the ball.

Now let’s break it down The Grueling Truth way—no hype, just reality.

Round 2, Pick No. 41: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)

Grade: A-

This is exactly what the Bengals said they were going to do—and for once, they actually followed through.

They needed pass rush help. They got it.

Cashius Howell was one of the best EDGE players left on the board, and his production at Texas A&M speaks for itself. This is a guy who knows how to get after the quarterback.

Now, let’s be honest—he’s probably not a three-down player right away.

But that’s not why you drafted him.

You drafted him to affect the quarterback. And he’s going to do that immediately.

That’s value. That’s purpose. That’s a win.

Cashius Howell Highlights 🔥 | Welcome to the Bengals

Round 3, Pick No. 72: Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)

Grade: C

This is where things get a little shaky.

Yes, the Bengals needed a corner. Yes, Davis brings elite size at 6’4”. That kind of length doesn’t grow on trees.

But let’s call it what it is—this was a reach.

Davis is raw. The technique isn’t there yet, and there’s a reason most boards had him going later.

The Bengals are betting on traits over polish.

That can work—but it’s not a guarantee.

He’ll likely be a situational player early, and anything beyond that depends on development.

Tacario Davis Highlights | Cincinnati Bengals Cornerback | Washington | 2026 NFL Draft

Trade Breakdown

Cincinnati moved off picks No. 110 and No. 199 to slide back and pick up No. 128 and No. 140.

This wasn’t flashy—but it was smart.

They trusted the board and still landed players they wanted.

That’s how good teams draft.

Round 4, Pick No. 128: Connor Lew (C, Auburn)

Grade: A

This is one of those picks that doesn’t get headlines—but wins you games in two years.

Connor Lew is a starting-caliber center. Period.

The only reason he fell? A torn ACL that kept him from testing.

That’s it.

The Bengals played the long game here, and it could pay off big. Lew isn’t just depth—he’s the potential successor to Ted Karras.

You don’t always need instant gratification. Sometimes you draft stability.

This is stability.

Connor Lew College Football Highlights | Auburn Center | NFL Draft Film

Round 4, Pick No. 140: Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)

Grade: D

Here’s another traits-over-production gamble.

Colbie Young looks the part—size, speed, physical upside.

But the resume? It’s inconsistent.

Between limited production, a past arrest, and injury concerns, there are red flags you can’t ignore.

Now, it’s a fourth-round pick—so the risk is manageable.

But let’s not pretend this is a slam dunk.

If he hits, great. If not, nobody will be shocked.

This is a bad choice, character issues abound on this one and the Bengals have a history of drafting these issues and they rarely work out.

COLBIE YOUNG (Georgia) II Full 2025 Highlights

Round 6, Pick No. 189: Brian Parker II (OT, Duke)

Grade: A

This is where Cincinnati flat-out stole one.

Brian Parker had third or fourth-round talent—and somehow lasted into the sixth.

That doesn’t happen unless teams overthink things.

Parker has clean film, strong fundamentals, and the athleticism to play multiple spots.

He’s not just a backup—he’s legitimate depth with starting upside in the future.

This is one of the best value picks the Bengals have made in years.

Brian Parker II Right Tackle Highlights

Round 7, Pick No. 221: Jack Endries (TE, Texas)

Grade: A-

And the value keeps rolling.

Jack Endries had a mid-round grade, and the Bengals got him in the seventh. That’s stealing.

He’s a reliable receiving tight end who produced with multiple quarterbacks, including high-level talent.

Now he walks into a real competition—and don’t be surprised if he wins it.

This is how you build depth the right way.

Jack Endries Highlights | Cincinnati Bengals Tight End | Texas | 2026 NFL Draft

Round 7, Pick No. 226: Landon Robinson (DT, Navy)

Grade: A-

Undersized? Yes.

Productive? Absolutely.

Landon Robinson doesn’t look like a traditional defensive tackle, but his production and athleticism jump off the page.

At 5’11”, he’s going to win with leverage—and that matters more than height in the trenches.

Making the roster won’t be easy.

But as a seventh-round pick? This is smart football.

Landon Robinson is a FREAK | Cincinnati Bengals

Final Verdict: Strong Foundation, But Not Without Risk

Overall Grade: B+

Here’s the bottom line:

The Bengals didn’t crush this draft—but they didn’t miss either.

They improved where it mattered most—pass rush and offensive line depth.

They found real value late. Robinson, Parker and Endries could both outplay their draft slots in a big way.

But the swing picks—Davis and Young—are what hold this class back from being elite.

If even one of those guys hits?

This draft jumps to an A.

If they don’t?

This is just a solid, workmanlike class.

And sometimes, that’s enough.

But if Cincinnati wants to take the next step?

They’re going to need more than “solid.”