The Cincinnati Bengals made a very uncharacteristic move over the weekend, acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the No. 10 pick in this week’s draft.
As a result, the Bengals are now scheduled to make their first selection at No. 41 overall during Friday’s second round. But is there a world in which the Bengals trade back into the first round on Thursday?
Using the A to Z Sports simulator, we explored the possibility of the Bengals moving up to secure an inside linebacker.
No. 32 (projected trade with Seattle) – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bengals are able to trade up to the last pick of the first round, sending picks 41 and 199 this year plus a 4th-round pick next year to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
CJ Allen was a key piece of the Georgia defense for three seasons, starting as a freshman and eventually becoming a leader and captain for Kirby Smart.
The Bengals are hoping to come away with a potential starting option at linebacker in this draft and this is one possible pathway to that. And it’s not very costly, sending a sixth this year and a fourth next year to move up nine spots to grab a player that can make an impact behind Dexter Lawrence in the middle of the defense.
No. 72 – Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
The Bengals could also be looking for a potential option at the nickel position and they would get a lot of speed there with the addition of Keionte Scott.
Scott ran a 4.33 40 at his Pro Day (he did not run at the Scouting Combine). Combine his speed and his instincts, you get a player who can move around well on defense and be a force against the run. We all saw his impact for Miami in the College Football Playoffs, especially in the National Championship game against Indiana.
Scott could start early in the nickel and allow the Bengals to keep Dax Hill and DJ Turner on the outside.
No. 110 – Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M
Zuhn can play across the board up front, but his potential projection at center would be intriguing to the Bengals. Ted Karras is a free agent after the season and the Bengals may look to get younger at the position going forward.
Zuhn mostly played left tackle at A&M but saw some time at center during the 2025 season. He would have a chance to develop for a year behind Karras before eventually taking over in 2027.
Remaining picks
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: NFL mock draft experimenting with Bengals trading back into Round 1
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
