Bengals’ next franchise cornerstone is already becoming glaringly obvious

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals - NFL 2025 | Michael Hickey/GettyImagesThe Cincinnati Bengals have a harsh truth staring them in the face. Even if their offense is one of the most explosive units in the league, their defense simply isn’t good enough. The lack of talent on that side of the ball has been painfully obvious this season, and it’s clearly time to make a change.

Without much money to spend in free agency, the Bengals may have to look to the 2026 NFL Draft to supplement their defense. There are plenty of intriguing prospects in the upcoming class on both sides of the ball.

One young defender is already making a strong case to be one of Cincinnati’s first selections. Oklahoma…