Bengals Host Top Defensive Tackle Prospect for Pre-Draft Visit

Texas Tech's Lee Hunter, a Third-Team All-American, met with the team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the violent collision of a defensive tackle and offensive lineman, with sharp geometric planes and vibrant colors representing the Bengals and Texas Tech uniforms.A Bengals defensive tackle prospect's powerful collision with an opposing offensive lineman captures the raw energy and intensity of pre-draft evaluation.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals continued their pre-draft visit schedule by hosting Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter, a highly-touted prospect ranked 48th overall and 5th among defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Hunter, a Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025, met with the Bengals on Saturday at Paycor Stadium.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to bolster their defensive line through the draft, and Hunter could be a strong addition to their young, athletic unit. As the team looks to build on its recent success, adding an impact player like Hunter could help elevate the defense and provide depth up front.

The details

Hunter started all 14 games for Texas Tech in 2025, recording 41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The 48th-ranked prospect on the consensus big board, he is considered a potential target for the Bengals with the 41st or 72nd overall pick in the draft.

  • The Bengals hosted Lee Hunter for a pre-draft visit on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25, 2026.

The players

Lee Hunter

A defensive tackle from Texas Tech who was a Third-Team AP All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, who the team hopes to build around on offense.

Jonathan Allen

A defensive tackle the Bengals signed to a two-year deal in March 2026, who cited the team's defensive staff and Burrow's offense as reasons for joining.

Jerry Montgomery

The Bengals' defensive line coach, who has known Jonathan Allen for 15 years and recruited him out of high school.

Duke Tobin

The Bengals' director of player personnel, who oversees the team's draft and free agency efforts.

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What they’re saying

“I think there are multiple things, I think as a defensive lineman, having the ability to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and that offense knowing they're gonna put points up, we're gonna be playing with the lead. So allowing us as a defense and defensive line, to kind of get after the quarterback was definitely enticing. And just the defensive staff that we have here, (defensive line) Coach Jerry Montgomery, I've known him for 15 years. I mean, he recruited me out of high school. So Joe Burrow and the offense and the defensive staff here. I thought it was just, honestly, the best fit for me.”

— Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle

“Very young, athletic, aggressive defense line, and I think I'm going to be able to fit in well with them. Do everything in my part to help elevate their game, as they're going to be able to elevate my game, it's going to be really exciting and fun, so I can't wait to get to meet the guys, and you know, get this work started.”

— Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle

What’s next

The Bengals will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April 23-25. They will be looking to add impact players like Lee Hunter to bolster their defensive line and support their rising offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow.

The takeaway

The Bengals' pre-draft visit with Lee Hunter highlights their commitment to strengthening their defensive line through the draft. As they look to build on their recent success, adding talented prospects like Hunter could provide a significant boost to their young, athletic defensive unit and help them compete at the highest level.