ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. releases a new first-round NFL mock draft based on inside information from conversations with NFL executives, scouts and coaches.
He also allowed the Cincinnati Bengals to select Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft.
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This is what Kiper wrote:
If Bane remains No. 10 in the standings, the Bengals should rush for a card with his name on it. This has been a very rough defense for a few years, and it could get even worse if Trae Hendrickson leaves in free agency. Last year’s Shemar Stewart draft pick didn’t pay off immediately, either. But Bane has the ability to disrupt his opponent’s game plan. He brings power, speed and bend, and he has 9.5 sacks in 2025. Defensive coordinator Al Golden can move him around the defensive line to find matchup advantages and loosen him up against the pass rush.
Bain’s advantages: According to his draft profile on NFL.com, he has loose hips, violent hands, good rushing speed, defensive tackle strength and edge quickness, the ability to eat blocks and more.
Bane, meanwhile, has NFL-like size, impressive athletic skills, decent tear and crossover moves, and physicality on offense, according to Bleacher Report.
Bane’s Weaknesses: For NFL.com, the concerns are his average speed when chasing, snapping, lowering his head and eyes, and not being able to get to the quarterback with great explosiveness. For Bleacher Report, they believe his hand timing needs work, he doesn’t have gap discipline in the run game, and he lacks explosiveness.
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With Trey Hendrickson playing his final game for Cincinnati, Kiper’s prediction for the Bengals to take down the Bane makes a lot of sense.