The Cincinnati Bengals just got dealt a curveball in their 2026 NFL Draft plans - and it came from Eugene, Oregon.
Quarterback Dante Moore’s decision to return to school might not seem like it directly affects Cincinnati, especially since they’re not in the market for a quarterback in the first round. But in the chessboard that is the NFL Draft, one move can shift everything. And Moore’s choice could have a domino effect that makes it harder for the Bengals to land one of their top defensive targets at No. 10 overall.
Bengals Staring at a Familiar Draft Dilemma
Let’s be honest - Bengals fans know this feeling all too well. You zero in on a player, the fit makes sense, the need is there, and then... one pick too late. That’s the scenario Cincinnati could be walking into again this April.
With Moore no longer expected to go at No. 2 overall, that spot - previously projected to be used on a quarterback - now opens the door for a top defensive player to come off the board earlier than expected. And that could spell trouble for the Bengals’ draft board.
In updated mock drafts following Moore’s announcement, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is now projected to go second overall to the New York Jets - a player Cincinnati was likely hoping might fall to them. Reese isn’t the only one slipping out of reach. Reuben Bain Jr., Caleb Downs, Peter Woods, and Keldrick Falk are all off the board before the Bengals are on the clock in these latest projections.
David Bailey: The Likely Outcome at No. 10
With several top-tier defenders gone early, the Bengals could find themselves turning to Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey - a name that’s been consistently linked to them in multiple mock drafts.
And make no mistake, Bailey isn’t some consolation prize. The guy flat-out produced in 2025.
He led the nation in sacks with 14.5, racked up 19.5 tackles for loss, 52 total tackles, and forced three fumbles. That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen - it’s the result of relentless effort, high-level technique, and a motor that doesn’t quit.
At 6'3", Bailey might not have the freakish length some scouts covet, but his production speaks volumes. He earned All-American honors and showed he can be a game-wrecker off the edge - something the Bengals could use in a division where getting after the quarterback is a must.
Bengals Fans Still Dreaming of Caleb Downs
But let’s not kid ourselves - the dream pick for many Bengals fans is Caleb Downs, the elite Ohio State safety who’s drawing serious buzz as a top-10 talent. In fact, both Saturday Blitz and Tankathon have him going seventh overall to the Washington Commanders.
That one stings.
Downs is the kind of player who makes you rethink positional value. Safeties don’t often go that high in the draft, but Downs is special.
He’s drawing comparisons to some of the best to come out of college football in recent years, and Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the entire class. That’s not a typo - No. 1 overall.
He’s a playmaker with range, instincts, and a physical edge that would fit beautifully in Lou Anarumo’s defense. But unless the Bengals get aggressive and trade up, the odds of Downs falling to No. 10 look slim.
Is There a Path to Trading Up?
Could the Bengals move up to snag someone like Downs? Sure, in theory.
If a team in the top 9 gets quarterback-hungry and jumps up for someone like Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambless, it could push a defensive star back down the board. But right now, that scenario feels like a long shot.
What Moore’s return to Oregon really does is complicate the Bengals’ path to landing one of their top defensive targets. With one less quarterback expected to go early, that’s one more elite defensive prospect likely to be off the board when Cincinnati picks.
Still, all hope isn't lost. Bailey is a high-upside edge rusher who could make an immediate impact, and in a draft class that’s shaping up to be defense-heavy at the top, the Bengals will have options. But if you're a fan who had your heart set on Reese, Downs, or Bain, buckle up - this draft just got a little more unpredictable.