Bengals Veteran Defensive End is Being Overlooked in Latest Preseason Rankings

One Bengals star is flying under the radar coming into the 2026 season.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe (53) looks on during the Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 2026 at Kettering Practice Field in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 30, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Bengals are seemingly putting all their chips into the 2026 season. Sure, one could say that every team does that every season. However, not every team has the talent the Bengals do coming into the new season.

After a few disappointing runs that resulted in the Bengals missing the playoffs, it feels like the pressure is on this campaign. It also seems from those who are getting the chance to watch the team during training camp that this is arguably the most talented team head coach Zac Taylor has had in Cincinnati.

There are stars on both sides of the ball coming into this season.

Too Low?

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe (53) stands during the Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 2026 at Kettering Practice Field in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 30, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top 32 edge defenders in the NFL. Bengals pass rusher Boye Mafe made the list at number 24.

"Mafe’s performance dropped a bit in his fourth season in the league, but he did still earn a PFF grade above 70.0 for the third straight season. In 2023, he set career highs with 58 pressures and a 77.8 PFF pass-rush grade, while his best season as a run defender came in 2024, also coming in at 77.8," wrote Gordon McGuinness. "If Mafe can combine those highs in a single season, then he can become a force on a Bengals defensive line that lost Trey Hendrickson to free agency this year."

Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe speaks to the media during a press conference at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 12, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Losing Hendrickson was a blow to this defense. But the potential is there for Mafe to rise on a defensive front that's going to look completely different this season.

Two of the biggest additions to the Bengals' roster this season have been defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. Lawrence and Allen bring a veteran presence, as well as elite talent that will be focused on by opposing offenses.

Having multiple Pro Bowlers to clog up the middle is going to give the edges an incredible opportunity to make noise this season.

It appears that many do not believe Mafe can be an even top 20 talent on the edge for the Bengals this season. The only thing left for Mafe to do is make everyone eat their words.

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