Here are the two players the Bengals likely would have decided between at No. 10 in the first round of the NFL draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t have another blockbuster move on Thursday night as the first round of the NFL draft unfolded. Those Bengals, as expected, did not trade back up into the first round to compensate for the loss of the 10th overall pick while acquiring Dexter Lawrence via trade.

After trading the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence II, the Bengals will be one of eight teams to make their first selection during Friday’s second and third rounds.

Edge Cashius Howell of the Texas A&M Aggies is the Cincinnati Bengals' second-round pick (41st overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Before the New York Giants dealt NT Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chicago Bears came in with an offer of their own.

The first round of the NFL Draft played out well for the Cincinnati Bengals going into their first pick on Day 2. A run on offensive players — while Cincinnati did not have a first-round selection — left several top defensive prospects on the board.

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce did not enjoy facing Dexter Lawrence when Lawrence played for the New York Giants.

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and now it’s on to Friday, where rounds two and three will commence. And the Cincinnati Bengals will finally enter the fray after not having a pick Thursday night.