The Cincinnati Bengals are doing more due diligence ahead of the NFL Draft, predictably focusing on the defensive side of the ball. Per reports, aside from meeting with Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez late this week, they are hosting three other notable defenders.
The Styles brothers from Ohio State—Sonny and Lorenzo Jr.—as well as Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor, per insider Tom Pelissero.
We’ve long-chronicled Sonny’s stats and background, as he is very likely to be a top-five or top-10 selection in this year’s class. While he is an off-ball linebacker, his high-end athletic profile, production, and character make him a blue-chip prospect in this class.
Lorenzo has been a cornerback and nickelback for the Buckeyes over the past three seasons. He began his career at Notre Dame as a wide receiver, playing 34 games as a defender from 2023-25.
He logged 47 total tackles the past two seasons with seven passes defended. While he didn’t net an interception with Ohio State, he’s been gaining more attention lately for a number of reasons—mostly his athletic profile.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 5 out of 2822 CB from 1987 to 2026.Pending Pro Day.https://t.co/nDw499BUJK pic.twitter.com/bfJg1urU2A
He posted a blazing 4.27 40-yard dash and other intriguing measurables. Most pundits have Lorenzo Styles as a Day 3 pick or a possible priority undrafted free agent, but his athletic profile could get a team to pounce earlier than expected.
Mesidor is considered to be a first or second-round pick in the upcoming draft. While his production is notable, so is his age at 25 years old.
As a “super senior”, he logged 63 total tackles (17.5 for loss) and 12.5 sacks for the Hurricanes in 2025. He too was a transfer from West Virginia, playing two seasons there and four others for Miami. While last year was his lone double-digit sack season (he never had more than seven in any other year), he did rack up an impressive 52.5 tackles for loss in his career.
If the Bengals opt to trade back from their No. 10 overall spot (say, if Sonny Styles, among other notable defenders, are off the board), Mesidor could be a target later in the first round or at No. 41.
A big day of visits with defensive players for the Bengals, who also hosted Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and CB Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Miami edge Akheem Mesidor. https://t.co/OtdFQHuFHw