Cincinnati Bengals Deemed More Likely To Trade Down Than Up In 2026 NFL Draft

Cincinnati could go all over this month.

Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Colton Hood (27) of Tennessee walks the field during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

FOX Sports writer Rob Rang did an all-trades 2026 NFL mock draft this week and deemed the Bengals most likely to trade down.

They moved from Pick 10 to Pick 18 to get extra picks from the Vikings, who took star Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

"Some believe that safeties just aren’t valuable enough in today’s NFL to justify a top-10 selection, but I think Downs’tape over the past three seasons proves that he is the best player in this draft class," Rang wrote. "If he slips far enough, some savvy team is going to look brilliant. Sign me up for Downs in Brian Flores’ defense. Minnesota might have to give up both of its third-round picks (Nos. 82 and 97) to pull off a trade into the top 10, but as the signing of Kyler Murray proves, the Vikings aren’t afraid of bold action."

Hood Gets The Call

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (DB14) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cincinnati ended up drafting Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood at Pick 18.

It would be a major big board reach. He is ranked 34th on the Mock Draft Database's consensus big board and fourth among cornerbacks.

"In yet another example of a team receiving extra picks in a trade down and yet still filling a key need, the Bengals should be able to take advantage of this year’s quality cornerback depth while moving out of the top 10. Hood has the pure cover skills and untapped potential the Bengals have long prioritized under Duke Tobin," Rang wrote.

It could be a nice option for Cincinnati if the price is right to move back.

The right price is the key factor as the Bengals land two third-round picks in this trade, which could end up turning into two starters. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin discussed that at the 2026 NFL Combine.

"All trades are difficult. You have to find a partner. You have to have cooperation with your players," Tobin said. "Trades can be complicated. That hypothetical scenario would be very complicated."

Check out the full all-trades mock draft from FOX Sports here.

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