As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, their eyes are set on Miami's pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at the No. 10 spot. Bain, despite his impressive skills, has sparked some debate due to his historically short arm length. This could see him slide down the draft board, much to the Bengals' advantage.
With Trey Hendrickson now with the Ravens and Shemar Stewart not quite living up to expectations in his rookie year, the Bengals are in dire need of a strong pass rusher. Bain is the standout in this class, but if he’s off the board, Cincinnati has some intriguing backup plans. Let’s dive into five sleeper EDGE prospects who could make a splash in Bengals stripes if Bain isn’t available.
5 EDGE Prospects the Bengals Should Consider
5. Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Crawford might not have the spotlight like his teammate Keldric Faulk, a projected top-20 pick, but he’s been making waves of his own. With improved pass rush counters and an impressive get-off, Crawford is poised to make an impact as a designated pass rusher right from his rookie season.
4. Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Despite missing out on an NFL Combine invitation, Kamara has been a key disruptor for the national champion Hoosiers. His ability to set the edge makes him a valuable asset for Cincinnati, especially after losing Joseph Ossai in free agency. Kamara’s hand-in-the-dirt style fits perfectly with what the Bengals need for depth.
3. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Dennis-Sutton is a versatile player who can effectively set the edge at the pro level. His solid performance at the NFL Combine suggests he has more pass rush potential than initially thought. Snagging him in the third round could be a strategic move for Cincinnati.
2. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
While Josephs might remind fans of previous "all traits, minimal production" picks, his unique combination of get-off and length is tantalizing. He wasn't always utilized to his full potential in college, but in the right professional setting, Josephs could transform into a defensive weapon.
1. Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Lawrence has turned heads with his performance at the NFL Combine, showcasing a blend of power and speed that’s hard to ignore. Though he needs to bulk up, Lawrence is a Day 2 prospect who could start racking up double-digit sacks early in his career.
For Bengals fans, the draft promises excitement and opportunity. Whether they land Bain or one of these promising sleepers, Cincinnati is poised to bolster its defense and make a serious impact in the upcoming season.