Bengals Eyeing Defensive Prospects Styles Brothers, Mesidor, and Rodriguez

Cincinnati looks to bolster defense through draft, exploring versatile players and trade scenarios

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:58am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the abstracted forms of football players engaged in a defensive play, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape conveying the intensity and dynamism of the action.A cubist interpretation of the Bengals' defensive prospects, capturing the raw energy and strategic complexity of the game.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are focused on strengthening their defense through the upcoming NFL Draft, meeting with several high-profile prospects including the Styles brothers from Ohio State, edge rusher Akheem Mesidor from Miami, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The team is considering various draft strategies, including potentially trading back from their 10th overall pick to acquire more selections and target players like the older but highly productive Mesidor later in the draft.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defensive struggles last season highlighted the need to upgrade that side of the ball. Targeting versatile, high-upside prospects like the Styles brothers and Mesidor could significantly improve their unit, while trading back could provide additional flexibility and depth. How the Bengals navigate the draft will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their defense in the coming years.

The details

The Bengals have met with the Styles brothers, Sonny and Lorenzo Jr., both from Ohio State. Sonny, an off-ball linebacker, is expected to be an early first-round pick due to his impressive athleticism and character. Lorenzo, who has transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback and nickelback, has intriguing measurables, including a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash time. Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor, a 'super senior' with outstanding production, is also on the Bengals' radar, though his age (25) could cause him to slip in the draft. The team may consider trading back from their 10th overall pick to acquire more selections and target Mesidor or other prospects later in the draft.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-27, 2023.

The players

Sonny Styles

An off-ball linebacker from Ohio State, Sonny Styles is a top-tier prospect expected to be an early first-round pick due to his impressive athletic profile and character.

Lorenzo Styles Jr.

Lorenzo Styles Jr., also from Ohio State, has transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback and nickelback, showcasing his versatility. His exceptional 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds makes him an intriguing late-round or undrafted free agent prospect.

Akheem Mesidor

Akheem Mesidor is a 25-year-old edge defender from Miami with outstanding production, including 52.5 career tackles for loss. His age could cause him to slip in the draft, potentially making him a target for the Bengals if they trade back from their 10th overall pick.

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What’s next

The Bengals will continue to evaluate these defensive prospects in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft, and their decisions on whether to keep the 10th overall pick or trade back will have significant implications for their defensive rebuild.

The takeaway

The Bengals' meetings with these defensive prospects demonstrate their commitment to improving their defense through the draft. Whether they land a top-tier prospect like Sonny Styles or trade back to target players like Akheem Mesidor, their draft strategy will be crucial in determining the future of their defense.