The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 offseason with the goal of improving the team's defense as the top priority. Over the past several years, there has been extensive discussion about the team's richly compensated, talent-laden offense being paired with a defense that struggles to complement its firepower. The team has been unwilling to commit to long-term deals with star players like Trey Hendrickson, who ultimately left for Baltimore in free agency. However, heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office made improving the team's defense a clear focus — and that started with acquiring star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence in exchange for pick No. 10 overall in the first round. The draft picks on Days 2 and 3 continued the team's intended defensive overhaul to maximize a potential championship window. As the dust settles on their selections, there have been rave reviews of what the front office accomplished, starting with their second-round pick, Cashius Howell.…