Bengals meet with 3 high-profile defensive prospects

Cincinnati, OH — With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Cincinnati Bengals are doubling down on defensive homework, hosting a trio of high-profile prospects at Paycor Stadium this week, according to multiple reports.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez visited first, but the Bengals quickly followed by bringing in Ohio State’s Sonny and Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor for formal interviews and on-site workouts.

Sonny Styles, widely projected as a top-five or top-10 selection, headlines the group. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound off-ball linebacker has impressed scouts with a rare blend of speed, instincts and production, cementing his status as one of the draft’s blue-chip talents.

Younger brother Lorenzo traveled a different path. After beginning his career at Notre Dame as a wide receiver, he transitioned to defense and has spent the past three seasons with the Buckeyes, lining up at both cornerback and nickelback. While he did not record an interception in Columbus, his 4.27-second 40-yard dash and elite athletic metrics have generated late-round buzz. Most analysts currently slot the 5-foot-11 defensive back as a Day 3 pick or priority undrafted free agent, though a team could pull the trigger earlier based purely on upside.

Akheem Mesidor brings a contrasting profile. The 25-year-old “super senior” logged 63 tackles, 17.5 for loss and 12.5 sacks for the Hurricanes in 2025 — his lone double-digit sack campaign. Over six collegiate seasons (two at West Virginia, four at Miami) he amassed 52.5 tackles for loss, showcasing consistent disruption. Mesidor is viewed as a late first- or early second-round value, making him a potential target should the Bengals trade back from the No. 10 overall slot or stand pat at No. 41 in the second round.

Cincinnati currently holds the 10th pick and the 41st pick, capital that could be used to add immediate defensive firepower. By meeting with all three defenders, the Bengals continue to signal that shoring up the defense remains the front-office priority heading into draft weekend.