The Athletic's Mike Sando canvassed the NFL executive pool recently to see what they thought of the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 draft haul.

Cincinnati's move to trade for Dexter Lawrence instead of making a pick at No. 10 got rave reviews.

"Execs applauded the Bengals’ decision to trade the 10th pick to the Giants for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence," Sando wrote . "They saw it as the surest way available for the Bengals to upgrade their defense and demonstrate to quarterback Joe Burrow that the team was serious, two huge priorities this offseason. 'This is like the NBA when you are trying to acquire guys to keep your star who is going to leave happy,' one exec said. 'Is it expensive? Sure, but there is no price on keeping Burrow happy. Drafting Rueben Bain does not make Burrow happy."

Lawrence Love

Newly signed Cincinnati Bengals defense tackle Dexter Lawrence speaks in a press conference for the first time since joining the team at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Monday, April 20, 2026.…