The Cincinnati Bengals have officially assigned jersey numbers to their seven 2026 NFL Draft picks, and these digits come with a rich history of legendary players who wore them before. For fans and collectors alike, these numbers are more than just identifiers—they're a nod to Bengals' tradition.
Leading the pack, the Bengals' first-round pick will don No. 55, a number famously worn by standout linebacker Logan Wilson, and before him, by Vontaze Burfict and Keith Rivers. It's a number that screams defensive intensity.
Cornerback DJ Turner is making a bold move, switching from No. 20 to No. 0 this season. No. 20 has a storied past, worn by recent stars like Eli Apple, Reggie Nelson, and Tory James, but its most iconic bearer is "Leaping" Lemar Parrish, a Hall of Fame-caliber cornerback.
On the offensive line, the new No. 65 follows in the footsteps of Alex Cappa, but its legacy stretches back to Bengals greats like Max Montoya, Larry Ogunjobi, Clint Boling, and Eric Steinbach. This number has anchored many a Bengals front line.
The tight end position gets a boost with No. 86, last worn by Noah Fant, but it's forever linked to Darnay Scott, a fan favorite from the 1990s. Meanwhile, No. 62—now assigned to a rookie—is pure gold: it's the jersey of "Mr. Bengal" Dave Lapham, a Ring of Honor inductee who later became the team's longtime broadcaster.
Wide receiver depth gets a nod with No. 84, a number that seventh-round pick Endries will carry. It's famously tied to T.J. Houshmanzadeh, a key piece of the Bengals' 2000s offense, and legends like Bob Trumpy, Mitchell Wilcox, and Jermaine Gresham.
Finally, on the defensive line, No. 96 is a powerhouse number, previously held by Cam Sample and, most notably, by Carlos Dunlap for over a decade. Dunlap's 82.5 sacks in stripes make this number a symbol of pass-rushing prowess.
Whether you're suiting up for game day or just showing your stripes, these numbers connect the next generation to Bengals history. Which rookie's number are you most excited to see on the field?