Round 6, Pick 189: J’Mari Taylor, Running Back, Virginia
Cincinnati could use some depth at the running back position. Chase Brown was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2025, but Samaje Perine will be 31 years old in 2026, and Tahj Brooks did little with his limited touches last season. Brown needs a legitimate complement to help manage his carries in a 17-game season, and the Bengals need to address that before the start of training camp. J’Mari Taylor could provide some much-needed depth at running back, and comes at a relatively low cost in the sixth round.
Taylor made an impact in his only season of major college football, as he rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns, and reeled in 43 receptions for 253 receiving yards on his way to being named to the All-ACC First Team. Despite the production, his lack of size and elite athleticism limits what he can be in the NFL. Still, being able to take a three-down back in the sixth round would be a borderline steal for the Bengals, and Taylor would make their running back room better.
Round 6, Pick 199: Marlin Klein, Tight End, Michigan
The Bengals’ tight ends are in an interesting spot entering the 2026 season. With Noah Fant leaving in free agency, Cincinnati has Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson as productive returners at the position, but they are both in their early thirties. The offense doesn’t feature tight ends that much under Zac Taylor, but the team needs depth at that position. Marlin Klein could be a prospect to watch at this point in the draft for Bengals fans.
Klein is shaping up to be a project player for any team that takes him. The Cologne, Germany product has a good frame for an NFL tight end at 6’6″ and 248 pounds, and has decent athleticism with a 4.61 forty time. Despite his physical gifts, Klein is relatively new to American Football and needs to improve his fundamentals. The tight end is a risk, but the potential payoff of a quality backup could be worth it for the Bengals.
