Bengals go defense heavy in latest PFF 3-round NFL Mock Draft

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) sacks South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) after the Tigers' 28-14 win at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PFF recently put out a three-round mock draft. They went with three straight defensive selections for the Cincinnati Bengals. It is hard to argue against that logic prior to the beginning of free agency next month.

With the first round selection, they went with defensive tackle Peter Woods at pick #10. Saying this about the 315 pound Clemson product,

Cincinnati has holes all over its defense. That includes adding to a defensive tackle unit that ranked 22nd in PFF overall grade and 31st in PFF pass-rush grade this past season. Peter Woods had a slightly down year in 2025, but he's a proven run defender who flashed pass-rush ability in each of his three seasons at Clemson.

Peter Woods draft stock has been all over the place prior to the draft. He has been projected anywhere from top ten to the second round. For me personally, I would be just fine with this selection. It is hard to find interior defensive lineman with legitimate pass rush juice, and that is just what Woods has. While the sack numbers leave a lot to be desired, he still has a very good pressure rate for his career at Clemson. Add in the fact that he is one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, and his best football is likely to come in the NFL.

Peter Woods (6'3 315) Clemson

+ 10.1% stop rate as a run defender
+ 16.0% pass rush win rate on true pass sets in 2025 (22% in 2024)
+ Quick feet
+ Active and competent hand usage
+ Violent pop in his hands
+ Explosiveness off the snap

- Sack production
- Needs to expand his... pic.twitter.com/3VY2cYj4a0

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 9, 2026

Gabe Jacas was the second round selection in this mock draft. While not a name connected a lot to the Bengals at this point, he does fit the size profile they typically look for in an edge player. Jacas is listed at 6'3" and 260 pounds. He has been highly productive during his four seasons at Illinois. His wrestling background, production, and power profile make him a player worthy of being in the conversation for pick #41.

Gabe Jacas (6'3 260) Illinois

+ Violent hands
+ Wrestling background
+ Feldman Freak List
+ Bull rush power
+ 24.1% win rate on true pass sets with an 88.5 pass rush grade in 2025
+ 27 career sacks with 11 in 2025
+ Relentless motor
+ Alignment and scheme versatility
+ Over... pic.twitter.com/10lyJPSnsR

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 31, 2026

With the third round selection, they had the Bengals taking safety Zakee Wheatley. This is my favorite value pick for the Bengals in this mock draft. I currently see Wheatley as a top 50 player in this draft class. He is listed at 45th overall on my big board. He has great size at 6'3" and 200 pounds. His awareness and range combine to make him one of the best run defenders at safety in this draft class. Wheatley brings a ton of experience to the secondary, and should be an immediate starter, even if he were to be drafted in the third round.

Zakee Wheatley vs. UCLA

**Wheatley is right in the tier
with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Dillon Thieneman behind Caleb Downs at safety. Such a high-level run defender due to his awareness and range. https://t.co/pGDg9OCHJkpic.twitter.com/B4LZNkHUIw

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 22, 2026

Share your thoughts in the comments for how you would feel with a draft similar to this one in April.