Bengals Eye Edge Rusher Options in 2023 NFL Draft

From the first round to the seventh, Cincinnati has intriguing prospects to boost their pass rush

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player rushing the quarterback, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Bengals' search for an edge rusher to complement their talented defensive front seven will be a key focus in the 2023 NFL Draft.Iowa City Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to add more firepower to their defensive front seven in the 2023 NFL Draft, with a focus on finding an impact edge rusher. From potential first-round target Rueben Bain Jr. to later-round options like Malachi Lawrence, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Max Llewellyn, and Michael Heldman, the team has a range of talented prospects to consider across multiple rounds.

Why it matters

The Bengals' pass rush was a strength in 2022, but they could use additional depth and talent to keep opposing quarterbacks under constant pressure. Upgrading the edge position will be crucial as Cincinnati looks to build on its recent success and make another deep playoff run.

The details

Rueben Bain Jr. of UCF is a top first-round prospect, but his shorter-than-average arm length and unique build could cause some teams to pass on him, potentially allowing him to fall to the Bengals at pick #10. Other intriguing second-day options include Malachi Lawrence of UCF, who combines impressive athleticism with strong college production, and Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State, a long-armed edge defender with a well-rounded skill set. Later-round targets like Max Llewellyn of Iowa and Michael Heldman of Central Michigan could provide valuable depth and rotational help.

  • Rueben Bain Jr. is making a Top 30 visit at Paycor Stadium as the Bengals look to add more pass rushers.
  • Bain is expected to go in the Top 10, but his shorter-than-average arm length and odd, pear-shape build could be enough to scare off some teams in the Top 10.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A top first-round prospect with impressive athleticism, but his shorter-than-average arm length and unique build could cause some teams to pass on him, potentially allowing him to fall to the Bengals at pick #10.

Malachi Lawrence

A second-round option from UCF who combines impressive athleticism from the Combine with strong college production, including 7.5 sacks in 2023 without starting a game.

Dani Dennis-Sutton

A third-round prospect from Penn State with one of the longest wing spans in the edge rusher class at 82 5/8 inches, and a well-rounded skill set that includes 8.5 sacks in both 2024 and 2025.

Max Llewellyn

A fourth-round option from Iowa who didn't become a full-time starter until his fifth season, but recorded 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in 13 starts in 2025.

Michael Heldman

A seventh-round flyer from Central Michigan who exploded for 10.5 sacks in 2025 after recording just 9 combined in his first four seasons, showcasing impressive pass-rush athleticism and a relentless motor.

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What they’re saying

“Much of Lawrence's success in college came from his play urgency and weaponized length. He is twitchy off the ball and uses his long arms and well-timed hands to help pry open corners or create interior rush lanes.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst

“Dennis-Sutton wins with a combination of quickness and power in all facets of his game. He isn't very deceptive as a pass rusher, but his hands are active and aggressive, which allows him to mix up his attack with varying swims, stabs, rips and chops.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Bengals have a range of intriguing edge rusher prospects to consider in the 2023 NFL Draft, from potential first-round impact players to later-round developmental options. Upgrading the pass rush will be a key priority as Cincinnati looks to build on its recent success and make another deep playoff run.