The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2026 offseason with a laser focus on shoring up their defense, following some notable struggles in 2025. While the offensive side of the ball seems solid, the defense is in need of reinforcements across the board-particularly on the interior line, at linebacker, cornerback, safety, and especially in the pass rush department.
Enter ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., who in his latest mock draft envisions a scenario that Bengals fans would undoubtedly celebrate. Kiper has the Bengals selecting Miami's Ruben Bain Jr. with the 10th overall pick, a move that could significantly bolster their defensive front.
Kiper's enthusiasm is clear: "If Bain is still on the board at No. 10, the Bengals should sprint the card in with his name on it." This is a nod to the Bengals' pressing need for a pass-rushing boost, especially with Trey Hendrickson's future with the team in question due to potential free agency or a tag-and-trade situation.
The Bengals have faced challenges with Shemar Stewart not living up to expectations and Myles Murphy still being somewhat of an enigma. Bain, described by Kiper as a player with the "ability to wreck opponent game plans," could be the perfect remedy for these issues, making him an obvious choice if available at the tenth pick.
Interestingly, Bain has been projected in some mock drafts to go as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, which speaks volumes about his talent. However, if he were to slip to the Bengals at No. 10, it would be an opportunity too good to pass up.
Kiper highlights Bain's attributes-power, speed, and bend-as key factors in his appeal. The Miami Hurricanes standout notched 9.5 sacks this past season, marking a career high and showcasing his potential to disrupt opposing offenses.
While the Bengals have other defensive needs, such as cornerback and linebacker, Bain's potential impact on the pass rush makes him an enticing option. Landing him at No. 10 could be a game-changer, positioning the Bengals to secure one of the top pass rushers in this year's draft.
For the Bengals, this scenario is a dream come true, setting the stage for a defensive revival that could complement their already potent offense.