The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up an thrilling weekend through which they drafted plenty of expertise at nice worth. The workforce traded away its No. 10 general decide to land star defensive sort out Dexter Lawrence, after which shored up each side of the soccer.
Whereas the grades from the pundits range, Cincinnati has largely earned excessive marks from the nationwide shops. Beneath are grades from many nationwide shops and a snippet of the respective analyst’s ideas on the Bengals’ class. Hyperlinks to the complete story are supplied.
What the nationwide shops are saying about Cincinnati’s class
SB Nation, David Fucillo, A+:
“The Cincinnati Bengals had an A+ draft in my opinion this year.”
Yahoo Sports activities, Nate Tice, D:
“This seems like a low-impact draft class considering what the Bengals needed to get out of this year’s crop of players.”
“The Bengals have to find a way to keep Joe Burrow happy and capitalize on the potent offense he leads. That means fielding a better defense; it’s hard to win football games when the team is giving up a league-high 6.2 yards per play. Did the Bengals do enough? I’m not so sure.”
CBS Sports activities, Carter Bahns, A-:
“Even though they traded out of the first round, the Bengals still secured an exciting replacement for Trey Hendrickson.”
“The Bengals nabbed one of the most underrated cornerbacks of this class in Washington’s long and speedy Tacario Davis at No. 72. Had he not struggled with injury in 2026, he might have been selected a round earlier.”
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Take a look at the 2026 NFL season odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.
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NBC Sports activities, Connor Rogers, C+:
“The Bengals have a lot of players in their edge group, but I don’t think any of them have the pure pass rush ability that Cashius Howell does. He’s a length outlier, but he constantly challenges tackles on an island to get to the quarterback.”
“Cincinnati did well on Day 2, breaking team precedent by taking Howell, a smaller edge with speed, then adding Davis’ height and quick feet to a secondary facing the potential loss of multiple veterans in free agency next year.”
Sports activities Illustrated, Matt Verderame, B:
“Cincinnati desperately needed an infusion of defensive talent, and it appears to have gotten it.”
“Highest-graded pick (2025): T Brian Parker II, Duke Blue Devils (85.5).”
53% of Bengals Reacts voters stated they’d give this draft class a B, whereas 29% gave it an A.
After solidifying their line of defense with Lawrence and picks, Cincinnati additionally received a few pass-catching weapons and offensive line assist. The place would you place the Bengals’ efficiency over the weekend?
