Bengals go all-defense in 3-round mock draft

The Bengals defense showed some signs of life during the second half of the 2025 season. However, that is still the side of the ball that needs heavy investment this offseason. Free agency will clear things up prior to the draft, but for now, defense is going to be the heavy focus during mock drafts.

That was the case once again during the recent A to Z Sports mock draft by Ryan Roberts and Joe DeLeone. They selected defensive players in all three rounds.

With the first round choice, they had the Bengals going with Rueben Bain. The Miami defensive end was dominant throughout the playoffs. Deleone had this to say about the selection, We are all well aware that the Bengals need players at every defensive position.

Taking the best player available should be their approach throughout this draft, and Rueben Bain falling into their lap couldn't be more perfect. Al Golden can get creative with unleashing Bain onto unsuspecting offenses."

Rueben Bain Jr. (6'3 275) Miami

+ Powerful bull rush
+ 30.3% win rate on true pass sets
+ Relentless pursuit to the ball
+ Closing speed
+ Knock-back pop in his hands
+ Alignment versatility
+Quick first step

- Arm length
- Gap discipline as a run defender
- Soft tissue... pic.twitter.com/ZBjBuIA8Sf

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 15, 2026

For the second round, they had the Bengals selecting defensive tackle Dominique Orange. Orange is a 6'2", 328-pound space eater in the middle of a defense. While he doesn't have much juice as a pass rusher, he still had a 17.5% win rate on true pass sets in 2025.

Domonique Orange (6'2 328) Iowa St.

+ Absorbing double teams
+ Space eater on the interior
+ Strong at the point of attack
+ Power in his hands
+ Good quickness for his size
+ Almost 1,600 snaps played
+ Feldman Freak List with a reported 34" vertical to go along with benching... pic.twitter.com/QPrcuZKvGi

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 21, 2026

In the third round, the Bengals took safety Genensis Smith from Arizona. Smith is 6'2" and 202 pounds. He had 77 tackles and 1 interception in 2025. He had an additional 63 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2024. He was very impressive in coverage, posting an 88.5 coverage grade this season.

Arizona S Genesis Smith (6-2, 202) is my SAF2

2 seasons starting:
141 tkls, 4 FF, 4 INT, 14 PBU

Long arms; strong as hell, hits hard
Fluid, explosive athlete covers ground
Great angles, no wasted motion https://t.co/gSFWJTHx9Spic.twitter.com/FXnZL7aN65

- Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 5, 2026

How would you feel about this haul for the Bengals?