Downs is currently the top favorite to land with Cincinnati on the MDD (22% chance to get picked by the Bengals), while Woods and Bailey are right behind him. On the outside, a trio of three players is rising to the top for Cincinnati as the best draft fits in 2026.

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL draft. It’s an NFL draft slot that has some interesting history in Cincinnati. Back in 2002, they selected the well-known Levi Jones.

Bengals predicted by Mel Kiper Jr. to make NFL history at 10th overall with safety pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of needs to address this offseason, with the majority on the defensive side of the ball.

USA Today's NFL experts make their picks for a Week 18 showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals meet Sunday for a Week 18 game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

The Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals battle Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.