News Bengals Team Notes

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (1/16): Mock Draft Roundup

Bengals 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
“Bain Jr. is an explosive, violent edge rusher with rare power and bend, capable of turning the corner from wide alignments and overwhelming tackles with speed-to-power. He wins with a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves — from bull rushes to inside counters — and plays with exceptional contact balance and hand usage to shed blocks both as a rusher and run defender. Relentlessly disruptive and highly explosive off the snap, Bain consistently collapses pockets, sets a firm edge and makes impact plays from whistle to whistle.”

AFC North Reflections: Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh And The Bengal Who Faced Them More Than Anyone
The Ravens let Harbaugh go after 18 seasons. On Tuesday, Tomlin left the Steelers after 19 seasons. On Wednesday, Lewis reflected on the toughest, tightest and most memorable games he ever had in his 16 seasons coaching in Cincinnati in the NFL’s version of demolition derby.

Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor Break Silence on Trey Hendrickson’s Future With the Bengals
“I don’t know what the future holds for Trey. Those are discussions that we’re going to have to have ongoing,” Tobin said. “He’s one of a number of free agents that we have that we’ll have to decide how we’re going to go forward with. But pass rush is king, and you always need to be layering in pass rushers. It can develop from within your team, and I think we’ve seen some of that start to develop from within our team. And then I think we need to find some from external sources, as well.”

Bengals get an early ‘perfect’ 2026 NFL draft scenario
“The Bengals selected one of the best run-defending edge rushers in the first round of last year’s draft in Shemar Stewart and could now target the best pass rusher in this year’s class, Bailey. He led all FBS defenders in PFF overall grade (93.1), PFF pass-rush grade (93.9), pressures (81) and sacks (15).”

Former NFL General Manager Drops Unpopular Opinion About Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor
“I mean he’s one of the most successful coaches in organization history and we’re talking about an organization that hadn’t had much winning.” Carthon said. “At least Zac has taken these guys to a couple deep runs in the playoffs including a Super Bowl appearance.”

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-news/184919/bengals-news-1-16-mock-draft-roundup

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals land top pass rusher in latest mock draft

It is no secret that going into the offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals’ primary focus should be finding ways to revamp this defensive unit as quickly as possible.

Assuming the Bengals bring back Dalton Risner, the offense will be a carbon copy in 2026 and has shown no signs of struggling to score points the past few years.

On the other hand, the defense needs to find that 2021 energy that helped lead them to the Super Bowl, followed by an AFC Championship appearance in 2022.

In order to do that, this unit desperately needs some high energy leaders to take charge (like DJ Turner) next season.

With it officially being mock draft season in Cincinnati, the Athletic’s Dane Brugler posted a fresh mock draft that most Bengals fans will likely enjoy.

In the mock draft, the Bengals land one of the top pass rushers in this upcoming draft and this guy comes with production at the college level….

Brugler has the Bengals selecting Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr. in the first round with both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai likely hitting the free agent market this offseason.

This would be a massive pick up for the Bengals pass rush alongside Myles Murphy, something that they have struggled with for the past few years.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...als-land-top-pass-rusher-in-latest-mock-draft

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (1/16): Saturday NFL Playoffs news and discussion

Bengals News​

Bengals 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April, and the Bengals will have the 10th pick in the first round.

Ki-Jana Carter, Peter Warrick members of new College Football Hall of Fame class

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and four former Cincinnati Bengals are among the inductees.

Dante Moore’s decision may cost the Bengals one of their top NFL Draft targets

Its giving flashbacks to Billy Price and Frank Ragnow

Possible Bengals Replacement for Dan Pitcher Receiving Interest From Multiple Teams

Brian Callahan could be an offensive coordinator in the near future. Will it be in Cincinnati?

Bengals’ top free agent they can’t afford to lose isn’t a shocker

All signs, including recent reporting, hint at a final goodbye between the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson this offseason.

NFL News​

NFL Divisional Round bold predictions: Rams and Bears produce highest-scoring playoff game ever

NFL.com analysts provide one bold prediction for the Divisional Round.

Biggest question for every team left in the NFL playoffs: Can the Broncos overcome Bo Nix’s inconsistency?

The biggest weakness each of the league’s final eight clubs must overcome

Big Picture: Houston Native Rod Wright Sparks Dominant Texans Defensive Front

The Houston Texans have arguably the best defense in the NFL, and the man in charge of their defensive front knows well the talent he gets to work with every day.

NFL playoffs: Upset keys, X factors in divisional round games

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is here, and we have four great matchups.

Report: Giants, John Harbaugh are “working through organizational and operational issues”

The Giants and John Harbaugh are close to a deal. Unless they aren’t.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...incinnati-first-rounders-get-college-hof-nods

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Sunday NFL Playoff News and Discussion

Bengals News​

AFC North Reflections: Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh And The Bengal Who Faced Them More Than Anyone

Nobody coached more games against Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh than Marvin Lewis. The Bengals’ longest-serving head coach has made sure he reached out to both.

It’s early, but mock drafts are already locking the Bengals into one prospect

David Bailey is becoming the inevitable Bengals pick in early mock drafts.

Bengals predicted to target Joey Bosa, others in free agency

The Cincinnati Bengals might be major players in free agency this offseason.

Zac Taylor and the Bengals are now under even more pressure to win in 2026 following latest NFL coaching change

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stands alone in a way no one could’ve expected entering 2026.

Former NFL General Manager Drops Unpopular Opinion About Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor

An interesting point of view.

NFL News​

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Jets, Browns, and more select QBs as one surprise team reaches for Trinidad Chambliss

Dante Moore’s return to school has NFL Draft boards shuffling since Ty Simpson and Trinidad Chambliss look like only worthy starters after Fernando Mendoza

Broncos QB Bo Nix suffers broken ankle in win over Bills, will miss rest of season

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in Saturday’s 33-30 Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills and will miss the rest of the postseason, head coach Sean Payton told reporters.

Falcons hire Kevin Stefanski: Former Browns coach takes over in Atlanta in Matt Ryan’s first major move

The Falcons choose Stefanski as they look to snap an eight-year playoff drought

2025 NFL AFC, NFC Title Odds: Patriots, Seahawks Favored to Make Big Game

At this point in the NFL season, only a few teams have the privilege of even seeing their name on an oddsboard.

Bills miffed by officials’ ruling on pivotal INT in OT loss

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott sat by his locker after Saturday night’s playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, watching the same play about 20 times.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-news/184934/sunday-nfl-playoff-news-and-discussion

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Amarius Mims wants Dalton Risner back

For as long as Joe Burrow has been in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have been trying to get their offensive line right. From band-aid tackles to what seems like a revolving door of guards, the better part of the last six years has left fans hoping for improvements in the offseason.

Despite Burrow missing time with a turf toe injury, the Bengals quietly had their best offensive line of the Burrow era. Ted Karras was a strong, reliable force in the middle, just as he’s always been. Dylan Fairchild gave us a lot to look forward to after his rookie year.

Despite getting older, Orlando Brown Jr. was solid overall on the left side. Former first-round pick Amarius Mims flashed All-Pro potential, especially late in the season. All four of those players are under contract in Cincinnati next season.

The one who isn’t? Guard Dalton Risner.

Risner was signed by the Bengals in late August before being forced into game action when Lucas Patrick went down with an injury in the season opener. Risner wasn’t quite in football shape yet, it would appear. He would move back to the bench in favor of rookie Jalen Rivers for a few weeks before making his way back into the starting lineup and not looking back.

When James Rapien asked Mims about his growth this year, he gave Risner tons of credit for his success. Mims made it extremely clear that he wants Risner back and even joked that he would sign him to the contract himself if he could.

"I'm gonna let the world know today, I want Dalton Risner back as my RG." #WhoDey

Amarius Mims gives a massive vote of confidence for Risner. pic.twitter.com/VjKcEKlPq8

— Enter the Jungle Show (@CinBengalsTalk) January 9, 2026

“I feel like he’s one of the best right guards in the NFL,” Mims said in the full conversation. “He’s helped my game tremendously. As you can see, once we step down beside each other, each week you can see us getting better and better beside each other. I fully stand behind him. I fully support him. I want him back. I want him to be my right guard next year. I won’t rest until he is my right guard next year.”

Mims also took to his personal Twitter account to vouch for his teammate.

need my guy @Dalton_Risner66 back!!!
We have unfinished business to take care of pic.twitter.com/FBK5Iwrgpc

— I S (@amarius_mims) January 5, 2026

Mims wants Risner back. The vast majority of fans do as well. It would make sense to have continuity on an offensive line that finally put it together for the 0ft-injured face of the franchise. But both sides have to want that to happen.

As far as Risner goes, he has also made it very clear that he wants to return to Cincinnati. He went as far as to say he hopes the Bengals reward him with a new contract before free agency in March.

This feels like a layup. The Bengals can appease their fans, appease their fanbase, and keep a quality player in their building, likely for a hometown discount (to an extent).

Time will tell if the two sides come to an agreement, but there certainly appears to be momentum for a deal to get done, something the two sides can make happen at any time.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn.../184723/amarius-mims-wants-dalton-risner-back

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in the National Championship

The 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes will face the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers on Monday night for the NCAA National Championship.

The Cincinnati Bengals should be watching to see how some of the top prospects play in the biggest game of their life.

Rueben Bain Jr.​

Bain will be the most likely player in this game that the Cincinnati Bengals could consider in the first round this year. Bain has been on an absolute tear during the playoffs. In the first three games of the playoffs, Bain has recorded 21 total pressures and 4 sacks. He is a power-based pass rusher who has a 30.3% win rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season.

Don't let people (or box scores) lie to you about Rueben Bain's game against Ole Miss pic.twitter.com/lmwLVu8EKU

— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) January 9, 2026

Mikail Kamara​

The best pass rusher for the Indiana Hoosiers is Kamara. While he doesn’t have the typical build of a defensive end for the Bengals, at just 6’1” and 260 pounds, he is an absolute wrecking ball when it comes to generating pressure. He has a 23.3% win rate on true pass sets. He has a deep arsenal of pass rush moves, plays with his hair on fire, and constantly displays an explosive first step.

.@IUHoosiers EDGE Mikail Kamara spin cycle… pic.twitter.com/liL9lUoiFz

— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) January 12, 2026

Akheem Mesidor​

Another pass rusher to keep an eye on is 24-year-old Akheem Mesidor. While his injury history and age are a bit concerning, he has been terrific for Miami this year. He has a team-high 10.5 sacks on the season. Mesidor has an even higher pressure rate than Bain, with a 36.4% win rate on the year. Mesidor has the versatility to line up on the outside or on the interior. Mesidor has first round potential, yet could easily be available when the Bengals are picking in the second round. It wouldn’t be surprising for them to have real interest at that point.

Akheem Mesidor would easily be a 1st round pick if it weren’t for his age pic.twitter.com/vYk5X7kmfS

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 2, 2026

Francis Mauigoa​

Mauigoa doesn’t feel very likely, specifically for the Bengals. He has played exclusively at the right tackle position in college. That spot is occupied by Amarius Mims in Cincinnati. The Bengals could view Mauigoa as a candidate to kick inside at right guard. Even if they do, that has not been a position they would typically spend a high draft selection on. Mauigoa has had a great season for the Hurricanes. He is a mauler in the running game and has really improved in pass protection this season. While he is worthy of being a top-10 pick, I can’t see that happening in Cincinnati.

Francis Mauigoa is the answer if you want to build a bully up front.

Whether he ends up at guard or tackle at the NFL level it doesn't really matter, he will play under control, with the ability to sustain blocks and shows execllent power. pic.twitter.com/kAYvYSzHjY

— Ryder McConville (@RyderM25) January 9, 2026

D’Angelo Ponds​

Ponds biggest knock is that he is 5’9” and around 170 pounds. He is an intense competitor on the football field. With the Bengals having Dax Hill and DJ Turner solidifying the starting outside corner spots, Ponds would be an excellent day two addition to kick inside and play in the slot. Ponds is more physical than corners who have 30 pounds more than him on their frame. He set the tone for the blowout against Oregon in the semi-finals with his pick-six that opened the game.

I dont care how tall he is, D'Angelo Ponds is a first-rounder.

pic.twitter.com/QKVZcKYDJ4

— Tyler Carmona (@TylerCarmona) January 10, 2026

Keionte Scott​

Scott is another candidate to fill the slot corner role in Cincinnati. Scott is 6’0”, 195 pounds, and has played that role, on the outside, and at safety during his career. The major knock with Scott is that he will also be turning 25 years old during training camp. That didn’t scare the Bengals off from drafting Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round, and I could see them having a lot of interest in Scott on day two this year. Scott has punishing physicality, great awareness in zone coverage, and his 90.7 run defense grade is among the tops in the entire country this year. He tosses in an 89.7 coverage grade to go with it.

Keionte Scott is such a complete player. Over 13 TFLs this year, and this time, the elite play recognition shows up on the pick-six.

Making game-changing plays with his processing-fueled aggression.

pic.twitter.com/MskHkfF3Ao

— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) January 1, 2026

Jakobe Thomas​

Speaking of physicality, Thomas is a heat-seeking missile on the back end at safety for the Hurricanes. Combine that with his five interceptions, and he is a really intriguing Day 3 safety prospect. He has an 88.9 coverage grade on the season for Miami. If they are going to pull the upset of Indiana, Thomas will need to make his presence known in the secondary.

Miami S Jakobe Thomas (6-2, 200) makes plays: career 187 tkls, 14 PBU, 4.5 sacks, 4 FF, 8 INT

Middle Tennessee Tennessee UM

The Robber has a physical, urgent motor and the movement skills to undercut routes & hang with RBs/TEs

Ultimate test tonight vs. Ohio State pic.twitter.com/DdVi0gjuB3

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 31, 2025

Omar Cooper Jr.​

If the Bengals decide to upgrade the slot wide receiver role, Indiana’s Cooper could be a great option on day two. Cooper is 6’0”, 201 pounds. He has just a 4.7% drop rate during the 2025 season. He is shifty and physical with the ball in his hands, has almost 900 yards receiving, and tracks the ball really well on downfield throws.

#Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. somehow stays up through a herd of tacklers and finds the end zone.

Major NFL talent on display. pic.twitter.com/0D4zihCHuK

— Andy (@AndyyNFL) November 29, 2025

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...-watch-national-championship-miami-vs-indiana

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals will sign Joey Bosa or other veteran pass rusher, predicts ESPN’s Aaron Schatz

The Cincinnati Bengals have invested heavily in replacing Trey Hendrickson through the Draft and failed pretty miserably.

Still, the search must go on to give some stability to the pass rush.

ESPN recently put out an offseason guide for all the teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs, and analyst Aaron Schatz wrote that the Bengals’ top offseason priority is to “Add juice to the pass rush”. He noted that, while the young pass rushers on the roster gave a glimpse of hope, Cincinnati still finished last in pass rush win rate for the year.

So how does Schatz see the Bengals addressing their biggest problem?

He thinks they need to target edge rushers in the first round “That matches the strength of this class, where David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) could be realistic options,” Schatz wrote.

Alternatively, Schatz explained, if Cincinnati really believes that Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy are long-term answers, they could instead target a “space-eating defensive tackle like Caleb Banks (Florida) [who] would improve the line in a hurry.”‘

Schatz’s big prediction for the Bengals, though, was in free agency. “The Bengals will sign more than one veteran edge rusher, such as Joey Bosa, Yetur Gross-Matos, D.J. Wonnum or Charles Omenihu.”

Of course, the question, as always, is whether those players will be willing to sign for less guaranteed money in Cincinnati than they would get elsewhere.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...ngals-sign-joey-bosa-veteran-pass-rusher-espn

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals Tuesday Trenches: History repeating itself?

First.

The difference between the standard of football in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore—and the standard of football in Cincinnati—is absurd.

Every team with an elite quarterback (with the exception of the Chiefs) whose season fell short—whether in the playoffs or the regular season—made changes at head coach. The Ravens fired John Harbaugh, who is now with the Giants. The Bills fired Sean McDermott after being eliminated in the divisional round by the Broncos. Even Mike Tomlin and the Steelers parted ways.

The Bengals, meanwhile, missed the playoffs three seasons in a row and didn’t fire a single coach.

No adjustments. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Half the franchises in the league—if they had Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on the roster—would’ve fired Zac Taylor after the 2024 disaster. All of them would’ve done it after 2025. Duke Tobin, too.

So yeah, the standard here is lower.

Sucks, but it is what it is.

Second.

The Bengals are currently stuck in a cycle we’ve now seen play out three times, with three different quarterbacks and two head coaches.

Let me explain.

Carson Palmer was drafted in 2003. In 2003, 2004, and 2005, his cap hit was relatively small—3.3% in ’03 and 9.5% in ’05—and during that span the Bengals averaged a 9–7 record. After his first big extension, his cap share jumped to roughly 12%. From 2006 through 2010, the Bengals averaged a record of 6–10.

Palmer got paid, and—outside of the 2009 season—the Bengals forgot how to win.

Then came Andy Dalton in 2011. As a second-round pick under the new CBA rookie wage scale, Dalton’s cap hit never reached Palmer levels, but the pattern still showed itself.

From 2011 through 2015, Dalton’s cap share averaged about 3.2%. During that stretch, the Bengals enjoyed an unprecedented run of regular-season success, making the playoffs five straight years with an average record around 10–6.

Then Dalton got paid.

Even though his cap share only peaked at 9.4%, the results changed. Over the next four seasons, the Bengals’ average record dropped to 5–11.

And then Joe Burrow arrived—and the cycle reset.

From 2020 through 2022, Burrow’s cap share averaged just over 4%. In that time, the Bengals reached a Super Bowl and two AFC Championship games. Since then, his cap share has jumped to an average of 12.2%, and the Bengals have missed the playoffs three straight seasons.

Burrow is due 15.7% of the cap this season. Combined with Chase and Higgins, those three will account for more than a third of the team’s cap space.

I’m not saying they shouldn’t have re-signed all of them. I’m saying it would’ve been nice if those contracts were structured like they were signed with a pen, not a quill and parchment. And I’m also saying that if history really does repeat itself, the Bengals are going to be fighting an uphill battle just to make the playoffs with their quarterback taking up that much of the pie.

They couldn’t figure it out with Palmer. They couldn’t figure it out with Dalton. Are we confident they can with Burrow?

There’s no doubt he’s the most capable of the three. He’s more physically gifted than Dalton, more cerebral than Palmer, and more athletic than both. If there’s a quarterback who can do it, it’s him.

Unfortunately, it feels like the Bengals are going to act more like a lead weight around his ankle than a flotation device.

Can he overcome it?

We’ll see.

Random thoughts:​

• I feel bad for the Bills. If it couldn’t be the Bengals, I wanted it to be Buffalo or Detroit. I lived in Buffalo for a bit, and it reminded me a lot of Cincinnati—at least the people did. Not the weather. Two Buffalo winters was one too many.
• Denver losing Bo Nix at the very end of that game was brutal. I feel for Broncos fans.
• It’s not fair that the Patriots got Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and now they’re back in the AFC Championship just a few years later with a new quarterback and head coach. They should’ve suffered longer.
• Same goes for the Packers. Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and now Jordan Love—back to back to back? Come on.
• The Bengals need to re-sign Dalton Risner. I’ll say it until they do.
• Despite the Bengals missing the playoffs, this postseason has featured some of the best games I can remember.
• Hopefully, we’ll be watching the Bengals in mid-January of 2027.
• Who Dey!

Relative Song Lyrics:

Now you swear and kick and beg us that you’re not a gamblin’ man
Then you find you’re back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you’re able
In the land of milk and honey, you must put them on the table

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...als-tuesday-trenches-history-repeating-itself

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (1/20): Ja’Marr Chase makes PFWA All-AFC Team

Bengals News:​

Ja’Marr Chase makes PFWA All-AFC Team

Chase is widely regarded as the best in the game.

Joe Burrow backs NFL officials after controversial divisional round calls

Burrow doesn’t talk much on social media, but he made his feelings very clear on this one.

How the Bills Firing Sean McDermott Could Impact Joe Burrow and the Bengals

A move in Orchard Park could have ripple effects in Cincinnati.

Bengals’ offensive coordinator to interview for same position with Bucs

Technically a lateral move, but a chance to be a play-caller.

Bengals enjoy luxury most teams don’t going into offseason

That’s a positive.

NFL News:​

Dolphins hire Packers DC Jeff Hafley as head coach

Dominoes are falling in the NFL coaching carousel.

Bills fire coach Sean McDermott after 9 seasons

A reset in Buffalo.

Chiefs plan to bring back longtime assistant Eric Bieniemy as next OC

Right back to where he made a name for himself.

Seahawks’ Zach Charbonnet reportedly suffers torn ACL ahead of NFC championship

A blow to the Seattle backfield.

John Harbaugh already at work reshaping the Giants staff

He’s not wasting any time, nor should he.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...ews-1-20-jamarr-chase-makes-pfwa-all-afc-team

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals free agency 2026: Best player fits for Cincinnati to upgrade pass rush

It is no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals need to get better at rushing the passer.

Trey Hendrickson is as good as gone. Myles Murphy took some big steps this season, but he can’t do it on his own.

I would love to bring Joseph Ossai back. He is only 26 years old and has five sacks in each of the last two seasons. He also has inside/out versatility as a rusher.

Ossai’s return, however, seems a bit unlikely. And even if he did not back, they could still use more help.

Here are some guys who could be a fit.

Odafe Oweh​

27-year-old Odafe Oweh was a 2021 1st Round Pick for the Baltimore Ravens. After spending 4 years in Baltimore, he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2025 season. He has had at least eight sacks and 18 quarterback hits in each of the last two seasons. He added 47 pressures to his resume this season as well.

The Penn State Alum has excellent length and is solid in run defense.

He is exactly the type of player the Bengals need to add across from Myles Murphy.

Arnold Ebiketie​

Of course, all Bengals fans are looking for the next Trey Hendrickson, and Arnold Ebiketie might just be it.

Ebiketie blew away the 2022 NFL Combine before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons early in the 2nd Round.

Like Hendrickson before him, he has all the tools, but just hasn’t gotten enough reps to really pop. This year, he had 2 sacks and 25 pressures, but that was in a mere 384 snaps. In each of the previous two seasons, he had 6 sacks and 12 quarterback hits.

Ebiketie is only 26 and poised for a breakout in the right situation. He is a guy I’d be extremely excited to see in stripes, and I think defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery could get a lot out of him.

Jaelan Phillips​

Phillips was sent from Miami to Philadelphia in a midseason move.

He finished the year with 5 sacks, which is the lowest number he has posted when healthy in his career.

Phillips played well against both the run and the pass for two different clubs while playing a high volume of snaps. Despite a torn ACL in 2024, Phillips’s body held up well to taking over 800 snaps this season.

Phillips was a 1st Round pick in 2021 and made an immediate impact for the Dolphins and is 26 years old.

K’Lavon Chaisson​

We do love LSU Tigers, don’t we?

K’Lavon Chaisson was selected 20th overall by the Jaguars in 2020, but he never really caught on in Jacksonville. After 4 sacks over 4 years, he moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he doubled his career total in a single season. This past season, he was with the New England Patriots, where he had 7.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 53 pressures.

Although he will be heading into his seventh season in 2026, Chaisson is only 26 years old.

He seems to be just starting to take off, meaning his best ball is still ahead of him.

Boye Mafe​

Everybody seems to love Mike Macdonald, but I’m not so sure that’s how Boye Mafe feels.

When Macdonald arrived in Seattle, the 27-year-old Mafe was a rising star for the Seahawks who had 15 sacks over the previous two seasons.

This season, he saw his playing time cut, and his production followed suit.

Now he heads into free agency (potentially) coming off a 2 sacks season and likely looking to restart his career.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...4682/nfl-free-agent-edge-rushers-targets-2026

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Bengals will get Caleb Downs

The Cincinnati Bengals could use an infusion of talent in the secondary.

Safety Caleb Downs is not only one of the most talented players in the NFL Draft, but he also played at nearby Ohio State.

It seems like a match made in Heaven if he’s still around when the Bengals pick 10th overall.

Well, the OG Draft guru himself, Mel Kiper Jr., thinks Cincinnati will end up with the opportunity to take him and will capitalize on it.

“Downs reads plays so well and has the speed and wrap-up technique to wrangle and take down ball carriers,” Kiper wrote in his mock of Round 1 on ESPN.com. “And don’t sleep on his ball skills: Downs had two interceptions in each of his three college seasons.”

The Draft expert sees a great fit, writing, “He’s exactly the type of player the Bengals need on the back end. Cincinnati allowed the NFL’s most yards per play in two of the past three campaigns, including 6.2 yards in 2025.”

SB Nation’s latest mock draft from Mark Schofield and James Dator also has the Bengals landing Downs.

“The Cincinnati Bengals need help almost everywhere on defense. Why not add a defender who can play almost anywhere?” they wrote.

“Put positional value aside, Caleb Downs might be one of the best players in this entire class. The discussion around him will mirror the discussion around Kyle Hamilton a few years ago, but teams that passed on Hamilton might want to revisit that discussion right now.”

A lot will have to go right for Downs to end up in Cincinnati, but this is an encouraging sign from a guy who knows a lot about what happens behind the scenes.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...mock-draft-predictions-caleb-downs-ohio-state

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals free agency: Potential interior DL players Cincinnati could sign

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Cincinnati Bengals could afford to add an interior pass rusher.

Here are some IDL options who could be available in free agency.

Logan Hall​

After posting 5.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits in 2024, Logan Hall took a step back this year, with only 1.5 sacks and 6 quarterback hits.

Hall is still only 25, and this statistical drop-off could be just a temporary blip in a promising career.

A 2022-second round pick, Hall has improved his game every year. At 6’6” 283, Hall has an unconventional frame for the interior. In fact, He is more of a 3-4 defensive end, but the Bengals play a lot of odd fronts where their defensive tackles align like 3-4 defensive end.

Hall could be a fun chance up to the defensive interior, who provides a bit more pass rush than what they have right now.0

John Franklin-Myers​

John Franklin-Myers might be the hottest name in free agency.

Franklin-Myers is truly a 3-4 defensive end, making him a bit of a hard projection to the Bengals.

The 29-year-old was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 draft, but spent very little time with that club. He spent a few seasons with the New York Jets before joining the Denver Broncos.

Although he is at an age where you would expect a decline, Jones is coming off two consecutive seasons with at least 7 sacks.

Signing Franklin-Myers would be an uncharacteristic, big splash move, but I wonder how well his body will hold up over the next few seasons. a2

Dre’Mont Jones​

Playing nearly 800 snaps in 2025, Dre’Mont Johns has seen a lot more action. Of course, that isn’t the only thing that is different. Jones also produced 8 sacks. His high production levels may be a function of being a versatile player who sees a lot of action on the edge.

Jones was a third-round pick for Denver in 2013. He is 29 and has seven years of playing experience with the Broncos, Chargers, Titans, and now Ravens.

DaQuan Jones​

Age 34 is getting up there in the NFL, but DaQuan Jones doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

The 6’4”, 320-pound behemoth had an excellent season stuffing the run for the Buffalo Bills, but he is also a pretty solid interior pass rusher. Jones had 21 pressures and 3 sacks in a mere 424 snaps last season.

Jones has 12 years of experience, dating back to 2012, when the Tennessee Titans selected him in Round 4. He has since spent a season in Carolina and is just wrapping up his fourth season in Buffalo

Roy Lopez​

Look, we all love D.J. Reader, but I just don’t see him coming back. There is, however, another Lions DT who I could see making sense for the Bengals, Roy Lopez.

Lopez is 6’2”, 312, and 28 years old. He’s had previous stops in Houston (who drafted him in the 6th Round in 2021) and Arizona.

Unlike Reader, Lopez is a big-body nose who can stuff the run but also gives you some surprising pass-rush juice.

In only 425 snaps last season, Lopez had 13 hurries and 2 sacks.

He just seems like the type of value prospect who the Bengals could get big things out of.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...erior-defensive-line-logan-hall-dremont-jones