Why the Bengals' 2026 Draft Could Be the Turning Point Joe Burrow’s Been Waiting For
The Cincinnati Bengals are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory - and it starts with getting the 2026 NFL Draft right. After a frustrating 2024 season and a rookie class that failed to make a meaningful impact last year, the margin for error has all but evaporated. If the Bengals want to maximize Joe Burrow’s prime and keep pace in an increasingly competitive AFC, they need to come out of this draft with multiple players who can contribute immediately.
Too often, Cincinnati has opted for developmental swings or depth pieces rather than plug-and-play talent. That approach simply won’t cut it anymore - not with Burrow in his prime and the team’s Super Bowl window still cracked open.
This draft is about more than just building for the future. It’s about getting better right now.
And as the first wave of 2026 NFL Draft profiles begins to roll out, a few names - and some eyebrow-raising pro comparisons - are already generating buzz in Bengals circles.
The Fernando Mendoza-Joe Burrow Comparison: A Stretch Too Far?
Let’s start with the headline-grabber: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza being compared to none other than Joe Burrow.
Yes, that Joe Burrow - the Heisman winner, national champion, and No. 1 overall pick who dragged a battered Bengals roster to a Super Bowl and an AFC Championship in back-to-back years. The same Burrow who has made a habit of thriving under duress behind one of the league’s most maligned offensive lines.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein dropped the Burrow comp in his early scouting profile of Mendoza, citing the young QB’s toughness, character, and rapid rise. But let’s be clear: stylistically and situationally, the comparison is a tough sell.
Zierlein notes Mendoza’s “heavy shoes and limited escapability” - two traits that feel worlds apart from Burrow’s game. Burrow’s pocket movement is arguably his superpower.
He’s not the fastest guy on the field, but his ability to slide, climb, and manipulate the pocket under pressure is elite. Mendoza, meanwhile, has shown flashes of arm talent and poise, but he operated in an RPO-heavy system that leaned on quick reads and manufactured throws.
That’s a far cry from the pro-style offense Burrow thrived in at LSU under Joe Brady.
Mendoza may have the intangibles and developmental upside to become a solid starter, but comparing him to Burrow - one of the most polished QB prospects of the past decade - feels like a reach. Still, it’s worth noting that the Bengals have a history of doing their homework on quarterbacks, even when they’re not in the market for one. And with Burrow’s injury history, adding a capable backup or developmental QB isn’t out of the question.
Familiar Faces: Bengals Legends as Draft Comps
Zierlein didn’t stop at Mendoza. Two other high-profile prospects were linked to Bengals greats from the past decade:
- Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State) → D.J. Reader
- Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn) → Carlos Dunlap
McDonald is a name that’s already been floated in Bengals mock drafts - particularly in trade-down scenarios. He’s a stout run defender with a high motor, and while he may not have Reader’s pass-rushing chops, the comp speaks to his potential as a tone-setter in the trenches. With Reader set to hit free agency, McDonald could be a logical replacement - especially if Cincinnati wants to maintain its identity as a defense-first team up front.
As for Faulk, the Dunlap comparison is generous. Dunlap was a two-time Pro Bowler and a consistent presence off the edge for years in Cincinnati.
Faulk has the tools - size, length, and flashes of explosiveness - but he’s still raw. Some evaluators see him as a Day 1 pick; others have him ranked in the 90s.
If the Bengals are looking to add depth behind Trey Hendrickson and develop a future starter, Faulk could be worth a look - just not at No. 10.
The Wild Cards: Offensive Playmakers & a Do-It-All Linebacker
Now here’s where things get really interesting.
The Bengals have pressing needs at tight end, defensive tackle, and offensive line - but don’t sleep on the possibility of them going for a playmaker or an elite hybrid defender at No. 10.
Zierlein’s comps for some of these prospects? Let’s just say they’re ambitious - but intriguing.
- RB [Name Redacted] → Jahmyr Gibbs Electric with the ball in his hands, this back has the kind of burst and versatility that can transform an offense.
Think Gibbs in Detroit - splitting time with David Montgomery but still racking up nearly six yards per touch and 49 career touchdowns. With Joe Mixon gone and Chase Brown showing promise, adding a dynamic complement in the backfield wouldn’t be out of character.
- WR Makai Lemon → Amon-Ra St. Brown Lemon, a USC product, has drawn comparisons to the Lions’ All-Pro receiver. St.
Brown famously fell to the fourth round, but Lemon is projected to go much higher. With Tee Higgins’ future uncertain, the Bengals could be eyeing a long-term WR3 who could eventually step into a bigger role.
- LB Sonny Styles → Fred Warner This one might raise some eyebrows - Warner is a four-time first-team All-Pro and arguably the best linebacker in football.
But Styles has the size (6'4", 237 lbs), instincts, and range to back it up. A former safety, he’s tailor-made for today’s NFL - a true hybrid who can cover, hit, and lead.
The Bengals whiffed on Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter last year, but that shouldn’t scare them off from taking another swing at linebacker if the right guy is there.
- TE [Name Redacted] → Trey McBride McBride just set the single-season record for catches by a tight end (126) on a struggling Cardinals team. If this incoming tight end can bring even a fraction of that production, he’d be a massive upgrade for a Bengals offense that’s lacked a consistent threat at the position since Tyler Eifert’s heyday.
Don’t Ignore Offense - Even in a Defense-Heavy Draft
There’s a lot of buzz around defensive prospects like Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, and Caleb Downs - and for good reason. But the Bengals shouldn’t shy away from adding offensive firepower at No.
- With Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and a healthy offensive line, this team is still built to score points.
Adding another dynamic weapon - whether it’s a back, receiver, or tight end - could be the difference between a good offense and a great one.
And don’t write off Sonny Styles just because the Bengals missed on two linebackers last year. Styles is a different caliber of player - and if he’s even close to the Fred Warner comp, he could anchor the defense for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This draft isn’t just about filling holes. It’s about setting a tone.
The Bengals have a franchise quarterback. They have a core of elite talent.
What they need now is an infusion of ready-to-play rookies who can elevate the roster from Day 1.
Whether it’s a defensive anchor like Sonny Styles, a versatile playmaker like Makai Lemon, or a surprise pick at running back or tight end, Cincinnati has options. And if they hit on even one or two of these high-upside players, it could change the trajectory of the franchise.
The window is still open. But the Bengals have to act like it.