Excitement around the Cincinnati Bengals appears to be high heading into the 2026 season, particularly after the team’s blockbuster decision to trade for Dexter Lawrence. Aside from injuries, the team’s defense was a primary reason the Bengals had their worst record since 2020 last season.
The Bengals defense allowed the third-most points in the NFL. As a result, this offseason has been a significant makeover for the unit. The team opted not to re-sign or franchise tag All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson as he left for the Baltimore Ravens via free agency. Instead, Cincinnati allocated those resources to land three impact defensive starters in Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook.
Now, following the 2026 NFL Draft, which saw the Bengals use their first two selections on defensive players, plus the acquisition of the previously mentioned three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, Cincinnati appears poised to return to winning ways.
However, one writer does not seem to believe that to be the case as evidenced by his latest power rankings.
Cincinnati Bengals Rank No. 23 in Latest Power Rankings
Following the NFL Draft, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall released his updated power rankings, in which he he predicted which rookie would add the most to his team. In this edition of his power rankings, the Cincinnati Bengals landed at No. 23.
Regarding the rookie who would have the biggest impact on the team, Kendall selected second-round pick Cashius Howell. Kendall wrote:
“The second-round pick enters one of the best situations in the league, and, amazingly, it’s on the Bengals defense. Cincinnati rebuilt its defensive front with Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen. Whoever starts at edge opposite Mafe is going to have some clear paths, and it’s going to be either Howell or Myles Murphy.”
Kendall’s placement ranked the Bengals ahead of only the Cleveland Browns in terms of AFC North opponents.
Disagreement over Cincinnati Bengals Ranking
USA Today writer Chris Roling disagreed with the ranking as he wrote for Bengals Wire:
“At this point, a power ranking that tosses the Bengals in the top 10 wouldn’t be unjustified. Joe Burrow is a top-five player at his position and the team’s offensive line was so good last year that it returns the same starting five for the first time during the Burrow era.
The Bengals then spent top dollar at premium safety and pass-rusher spots before making the trade for Dexter Lawrence, giving them foundational veterans to hinge the entire scheme.
No matter how one feels about the Bengals, though, they will have to show it on the field right from Week 1 to silence doubters.”
CBS Sports writer Carter Bahns likely disagreed with the Bengals ranking No. 23 as well, as he gave the Bengals an A- grade for their draft. Bahns wrote:
“Even though they traded out of the first round, the Bengals still secured an exciting replacement for Trey Hendrickson. No one is going to fully replicate the production Hendrickson provided off the edge over the last few years, but Cashius Howell dominated SEC offensive tackles during his Texas A&M career and could be in for a prolific pro career, even though his arms measured concerningly small.
Even more defensive help is on the way in the form of Tacario Davis, the other Day 2 pick, and seventh-rounder Landon Robinson. Cincinnati had to get better defensively in this draft and addressed both the front and secondary. Mission accomplished.”
Bengals Get Harsh Reality Check After Dexter Lawrence Trade