It’s a long offseason in the NFL, but there are moments when it’s good to take a snapshot of teams. That includes following the NFL Draft. So, that’s exactly what ESPN did, releasing a new Power Ranking that sees the Cincinnati Bengals sliding in their rankings.
ESPN is ranking the Bengals No. 17 overall. That’s down from No. 16 overall in their initial “Way-Too-Early” power rankings.
“This might be the biggest slam dunk of the offseason. The Bengals not only traded for Dexter Lawrence II but also signed Jonathan Allen in free agency. Interior pass rush has been something the team has lacked for years,” Ben Baby wrote.
“Early in the offseason, de facto Cincinnati GM Duke Tobin outlined the strategy: “Pass rush is king.” It’s wild to consider given the team’s decision to let defensive end Trey Hendrickson leave in free agency, but the Bengals spared no resources to improve a D-line that needed more depth.”
The Bengals missed the playoffs last season, but they’re hoping to turn it around in 2026. That comes in what should be a wide-open AFC North. Every other team in the division has a new coaching staff in place, while the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers have major questions at quarterback.
Still, ESPN has the Bengals ranked second in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens are ahead of them, coming in at No. 10 overall.
ESPN Names Defensive Tackle as the Most Improved Position for the Cincinnati Bengals
GettyNew York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence
Within the power rankings, ESPN noted that defensive tackle is the most improved position for the Cincinnati Bengals. That will be no surprise to anyone, though, as the trade for Dexter Lawrence was one of the biggest of the offseason.
Lawrence wasn’t the only way the Bengals addressed the interior of their defensive line, though. In free agency, Cincinnati also brought in Jonathan Allen as a veteran presence.
Defensive line play has been a major weakness for the Bengals in recent seasons. It’s clear that Duke Tobin and the front office were making a point in addressing that unit this offseason. Now, it’s just a matter of whether or not those moves work out.
Bengals To Face One of the Easiest Schedules in 2026
GettyCincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow
If the goal is to turn things around and get back to the Super Bowl, the Cincinnati Bengals are going to get a major assist there. The schedule the Bengals are set to play in 2026 will be ranked as the third-easiest in the NFL.
That metric is based on projected Las Vegas win totals for 2026. That’s a little different than most rankings when it comes to schedule difficulty this time of year, which rely on last season’s record. That way, it’s projecting outward to 2026, rather than based on an old roster or potentially old coaching staff.
2026 will be the eighth year for Zac Taylor as the Bengals’ head coach. He has previously led them to the playoffs twice, including a Super Bowl. However, after three years in a row of missing out on the playoffs, there are some concerns that quarterback Joe Burrow is unhappy. Turning that around against this schedule will be vital.
Bengals Drop in ESPN Power Rankings Following NFL Draft