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Bengals Sign Five Draft Picks, Add Undrafted Free Agents

5/9/2026

Summary

Bengals Sign Drafts

On May 8, 2026 the Bengals signed five draft picks—Connor Lew (4th, No. 128), Colbie Young (4th, No. 140), Brian Parker II (6th, No. 189), Jack Endries (7th, No. 221) and Landon Robinson (7th, No. 226)—and undrafted free agents.
Second-round end Cashius Howell and third-round cornerback Tacario Davis remain unsigned, while the Bengals claimed linebacker Swayze Bozeman off waivers.
Undrafted signees from Montana, South Alabama, Cincinnati, Southern California and Georgia Tech total either ten or eleven, per reports.

Summary

Veterans Mentor Rookie

Linemen Ted Karras and Orlando Brown Jr. texted rookie Connor Lew offering mentorship, prompting Lew to say the Bengals are “a team that is right there” and he is eager to help a push.
Brian Parker II said coach Steve Specht of St. Xavier contacted him when his signing was confirmed, recalling the Jan. 2, 2023 game when Damar Hamlin collapsed and emphasizing his All-American experience at tackle spots.

History

Historical Context

In the mid-1990s the Cowboys assembled a championship core that delivered three Super Bowl titles by 1995; the NFL draft remains the league’s chief talent source. Echoing that model, the Bengals chose five players in the 2026 draft, seeking a similar concentrated infusion to boost competitiveness for future success overall.

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Bengals Sign Drafts

On May 8, 2026 the Bengals signed five draft picks—Connor Lew (4th, No. 128), Colbie Young (4th, No. 140), Brian Parker II (6th, No. 189), Jack Endries (7th, No. 221) and Landon Robinson (7th, No. 226)—and undrafted free agents.
Second-round end Cashius Howell and third-round cornerback Tacario Davis remain unsigned, while the Bengals claimed linebacker Swayze Bozeman off waivers.
Undrafted signees from Montana, South Alabama, Cincinnati, Southern California and Georgia Tech total either ten or eleven, per reports.

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