Bengals Secure Top-14 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft Following Cowboys and Vikings Victories
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have officially locked in a top-14 selection for the 2026 NFL Draft. Recent victories by the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day have solidified a more favorable draft positioning for Cincinnati. Even if they finish the season with a 7-10 record after winning their final two games, the Bengals are set to improve their prospects.
Currently, Cincinnati holds the ninth overall pick in the draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs are closely trailing them after their fifth consecutive loss, which left them at 5-10, mirroring the Bengals’ record. The wins by the Vikings and Cowboys shift them further down the draft order, ultimately benefiting Cincinnati. The Bengals entered Week 17 with a 51.1% probability of landing a top-10 pick, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. That chance has now escalated to a near certainty of securing a top-15 pick, which would mark a significant milestone; since selecting Joe Burrow first overall in 2020, Cincinnati has only achieved this once.
Strategic Pursuit and Running Game Success
Head coach Zac Taylor’s team is actively aiming for the lower end of their draft projections rather than the higher. Over the last month, the Bengals have demonstrated a commitment to their running game, achieving a 43.8% rushing success rate since Week 12, ranking seventh in the NFL during that span. This consistent performance has been largely fueled by the effective play of running backs Chase Brown and Samaje Perine, who have been adept at finding running lanes.
“There are a lot of times we make him one in the progression because if he gets the matchup, take it,” Taylor explained. This insight highlights how the team’s offensive strategy adapts based on defensive alignments, allowing Brown to maximize his touches. As the Bengals prepare for their upcoming matchup against Arizona, Brown, one of the franchise’s few successful late-round draft picks this decade, is expected to see an increased workload.
Bengals Draft Outlook and Future Coverage
For those interested in the Bengals’ draft strategy and future picks, a detailed overview is available from Tankathon. As the team navigates the final games of the season, fans can also stay updated through various channels, including a dedicated YouTube channel and podcasts that offer in-depth analysis and coverage.
In this pivotal moment for the Bengals, the focus remains on securing not just wins but also a promising position for the future through the draft.
