Bengals selected Duke G/C Brian Parker II with the No. 189 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

25 April 2026

Parker played almost exclusively at right tackle, logging 1,627 snaps there over the last two seasons, but profiles best inside where his low pad level, anchor strength and finishing mentality can be maximized in tighter quarters. He produced strong pass-protection numbers, posting an 83.4 PFF grade in 2025 (85.4 in 2024) while allowing 3 sacks and 20 pressures on 538 pass-blocking snaps with a 97.7 pass-block efficiency, reinforcing his ability to hold up against power. Parker brings an impressive athletic profile for the interior with a 9.12 RAS, highlighted by adequate size (6’4/309) and above-average movement skills, giving him the tools to transition effectively to center or guard. He excels in a phone booth, using heavy hands and active feet to generate movement in the run game while showing the ability to wall off defenders and reset his hands in pass protection. His anchor is a clear strength, particularly versus bull rushers, but his limited length and occasional balance issues can lead to defenders slipping off blocks or winning early with quickness. Parker can also look a bit labored when gaining depth against speed, reinforcing the need for a full-time move inside. With positional versatility, strong pass-protection traits and high-end athletic testing, Parker projects as a versatile interior lineman whose upside hinges on a successful transition to center or guard at the next level. The Bengals announced him as a center when they drafted him.