Updated NFL Draft order has Bengals just outside top 10

The Bengals continue to fall hard, but at least it’s putting them in position for a good draft pick...maybe.

By Jason Marcum@marcum89 Dec 10, 2018, 3:37pm EST

Cincinnati Bengals v Los Angeles Chargers

The Cincinnati Bengals have gone from likely playoff team to potentially picking in the top 10 of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Since starting the season at 4-1, they have won just once in their last eight games. That has them currently holding the No. 11 pick in next year’s draft if the season ended today.

It’s unfortunate that the Bengals, as they’re currently constructed following on onslaught of injuries, are probably one of the five worst teams in the NFL, yet are still sitting outside of the top 10.

And that’s probably where they’ll stay if they’re able to beat the Raiders this coming Sunday in Paul Brown Stadium. Oakland is coming off an impressive win over the Steelers but has just one win away from home, and that’s over the 3-10 Cardinals in Arizona.

Depending on how the rest of Week 15 plays out, the Bengals could actually win and remain at the No. 11 spot. Then they’ll be road underdogs against the Browns and Steelers over the final two games. A win against either team would then put Cincinnati at seven wins and possibly drafting in the 16-20 range, which is really the worst place to be in.

If, however, the Bengals lose to Oakland and wind up losing out, they’d finish 5-11 and actually ‘could’ sneak into the top five, but that would take several unexpected wins by teams ahead of them.

Here is the full draft order for non-playoff teams along with their strength of schedule:

1 - San Francisco 49ers: 3-10 (.530)

2 - Arizona Cardinals: 3-10 (.530)

3 - Oakland Raiders: 3-10 (.568)

4 - Atlanta Falcons: 4-9 (.493)

5 - New York Jets: 4-9 (.502)

6 - Buffalo Bills: 4-9 (.529)

7 - Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-9 (.546)

8 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-8 (.498)

9 - New York Giants: 5-8 (.502)

10 - Detroit Lions: 5-8 (.505)

11 - Cincinnati Bengals: 5-8 (.529)