Bengals Bring In Top Defensive Prospect for Visit

Rueben Bain Jr.'s visit sparks hope Cincinnati can land impact starter at No. 10 pick

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football player rushing the quarterback, with sharp planes of color and form capturing the raw energy of the defensive action.A cubist interpretation of a dominant pass rusher disrupting the pocket, reflecting the Bengals' search for an impact defensive player in the draft.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to land an impact starter on defense with their first-round pick at No. 10 overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. According to reports, the team recently brought in Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. for a visit following his meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bain is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the class, though he may fall slightly due to concerns over his arm length.

Why it matters

The Bengals have holes to fill on defense after losing key contributors like Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson in the offseason. Landing a player like Bain, who has the potential to be an impact pass rusher, would be a major boost for Cincinnati's defense and help them continue building a contender in the AFC.

The details

Bain is ranked behind only David Bailey and Arvell Reese among edge rushers in this year's draft class. Despite concerns over his arm length, he has consistently dominated at both the high school and college levels with his power, technique, and relentless motor. The Bengals are in need of an edge rusher to replace the production they lost with Hendrickson's departure, and Bain could be the perfect fit if he's available at No. 10.

  • The Bengals recently brought Bain in for a visit following his meeting with the Chiefs.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A highly productive edge rusher from the University of Miami who is projected to be one of the top defensive players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Joseph Ossai

A linebacker the Bengals lost in free agency this offseason after he showed promise as a pass rusher in his rookie year.

Trey Hendrickson

A former Defensive Player of the Year candidate who the Bengals also lost in free agency, leaving a significant hole at edge rusher.

Boye Mafe

A defensive end the Bengals signed in free agency to help replace some of the production they lost on the edge.

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What they’re saying

“With a uniquely thick body type, short arms and an average get-off, Bain isn't the picture-perfect embodiment of what NFL teams covet in a pass rusher. But he consistently deconstructs blocks with power and is a tough player to slow down. As a pass rusher, Bain uses anvil-weighted hands to jar blocks off balance with rip/bull-rush moves and regularly forces quarterbacks off spots, flushing production to his teammates. He plays low and squatty in the run game, with the violence and awareness to shut down the edges.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

What’s next

If Bain is available at pick No. 10, the Bengals will have a tough decision to make, but one that could pay major dividends for their defense. The team will continue evaluating all of their options leading up to the draft to ensure they make the best selection to address their needs.

The takeaway

This visit highlights the Bengals' focus on finding an impact defensive player in the draft to help replace the production they lost in free agency. Bain's unique skill set and potential could make him the perfect fit, but the team will have to weigh all of their options to ensure they land the right player at No. 10 overall.