Bengals Can Finally Fix Major Weakness on Defense in 2026 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals could target top edge rush prospects in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Could Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey be the key to energizing their pass rush? James Rapien and Jake Liscow are joined by Joe Goodberry to analyze potential first-round targets and pinpoint potential day two and three gems in a deep and skilled edge rusher class. We dive into prioritizing run defense and pass rush ability, prospect versatility, and who the Bengals might target based on their needs. Which prospects might join Boye Mafe Myles Murphy, and Shemar Stewart in Cincinnati’s retooled defensive front? Players Discussed:  David Bailey 00:02:19  Reuben Bain 00:02:19  Keldrick Faulk 00:02:24  TJ Parker 00:13:46  Akheem Mesidor 00:12:59  Cashius Howell 00:16:44  Zion Young 00:17:03  R Mason Thomas 00:17:23  Malachi Lawrence 00:17:55  Gabe Jacas 00:18:38  Derrick Moore 00:22:16  Dani Dennis-Sutton 00:23:35  Jaishawn Barham 00:25:13  Michael Heldman 00:25:31  Keyron Crawford 00:27:03  Joshua Josephs 00:27:27  Romello Height 00:27:51  Kaden Curry 00:28:26  Harold Perkins 00:28:30  Trey Moore 00:28:53 Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.