ESPN gives Bengals a pair SEC players in 2-round NFL mock draft

Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN analyst Field Yates put out a new two-round NFL mock draft on Tuesday morning, and he has the Cincinnati Bengals going with a pair of SEC defenders.

In the first round, Yates had the Bengals going with LSU corner Mansoor Delane. Delane is fresh off running a 4.35 40-yard dash at the LSU Pro Day. In this mock draft scenario that played out, it is easy to argue Delane would be the best available player left on the board for Cincinnati to take.

Some of the most frequently mocked players at pick 10 were gone, including Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain. Corner is a premium position, so it is hard to argue with taking the consensus top player at the position here.

Mansoor Delane (5'11 191) LSU

+ Has played over 2,400 career snaps
+ Physical in run support
+ Just a 38.2% completion rate allowed against in 2025
+ 91.0 coverage grade
+ Competitive at the catch point
+ 8 career interceptions
+ Coverage instincts
+ 74.4 run defense grade

-... pic.twitter.com/ANWc0JSQ0b

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

Anthony Hill Jr. was the Bengals' selection during the second round of this mock draft. I think this is another pick that could actually happen next month. Al Golden tried to have Demetrius Knight Jr. kick down on the line last year as an extra pass rusher, and that just isn't who he is as a player.

That isn't the case with Hill, who is very effective coming off the edge as a pass rusher, as evidenced by his 17 sacks in three seasons with the Longhorns.

Anthony Hill Jr. (6'3 240) Texas

+ Versatility to play on the edge and at off-ball linebacker
+ Blitz timing
+ Physical tackler
+ Just now turning 21 years old
+ Relentless pursuit
+ 79.7 run defense grade in 2025
+ Just a 4.5% missed tackle rate
+ 17 sacks in three seasons with... pic.twitter.com/xWyKA1TWVu

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 26, 2026

While these two names might not be the flashiest selections, they actually make a lot of sense for what the Bengals might actually do on draft day. I personally won't be upset about adding a couple more top-50 talents to the defensive side of the ball.