As the 2025 NFL season enters its final stretch, the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is officially wide open. Tennessee’s surprising Week 14 win over Cleveland flipped the top of the board,

The Bengals, who still have a shot at winning the AFC North and making the playoffs, have their own first-round pick in 2026. Here is where they are set to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as it stands. This post will be updated throughout the season. Draft order is courtesy of Tankathon.

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently sitting at 4-9 on the season. With the playoffs likely out of reach, let’s take a look at some of the top positions of need and players at each one for the 2026 NFL Draft. As always, free agency can change what this list ultimately looks like.

The 2025 NFL draft delivered some promising young players, but several early picks have not lived up to expectations so far. Certain teams hoped to fill major roster holes, yet the returns have been disappointing.

The Bengals announced before their loss to the Bills that receiver Jermaine Burton was suspended for the game.

While the 49ers and Rams battled with an eye towards the playoffs, other teams are hoping to land the top draft pick in April.

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) have now lost three straight games as the Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1) are still hanging around and within striking distance. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders (3-10) and New York Giants (2-11) are both limping to the finish line and are starting to focus on their position in the 2026 NFL Draft.