Zac Taylor Cincinnati Bengals
Getty
The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing in a pair of intriguing defenders, Rueben Bain and Jacob Rodriguez for a visit ahead of the NFL Draft.
With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Cincinnati Bengals are bringing in several players for pre-draft visits. That has recently included an intriguing pair of defenders, edge rusher Rueben Bain and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported the Bain visit. Rapoport also visited the Kansas City Chiefs, who have the No. 9 overall pick, just ahead of where the Bengals are picking at No. 10 in the first round.
Rueben Bain spent his entire three-season college career with the Miami Hurricanes, developing into one of the best pass rushers in the country this past season. Now, he’s considered a potential early first-round pick. That’s despite some concerns about the length of his arms, which were measured at just 30 7/8’’ long.
Meanwhile, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the Jacob Rodriguez visit, noting that his NFL comparison is Carson Schwesinger. Rodriguez spent four of his five college seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In each of the last two seasons, he was an All-Big 12 selection before being named a unanimous All-American, the Nagurski winner, the Butkus winner, the Lombardi winner, and the Bednarik winner in 2025.
Todd McShay Shared That the Cincinnati Bengals are Targeting Rueben Bain
Rueben Bain Miami Hurricanes
GettyMiami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain
The news of Rueben Bain taking a visit to the Cincinnati Bengals is interesting. Just days ago, NFL Draft insider Todd McShay shared that he’s one of the key players who the Bengals are targeting with their first-round pick. In particular, if the Bengals don’t go with a defensive back at No. 10.
“It becomes interesting if Bain is sitting there at 10,” McShay said. “Is that their edge? And it certainly could be.”
Bain is coming off a season with 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, and 54 total tackles, earning him All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. So, the hope is that he would immediately be able to address Cincinnati’s pass rushing issues. Of course, there is still a chance that the Bengals address the secondary with that pick.
“But they also could take the other corner,” McShay added. “I think Miami at 11 could take a corner. I know Dallas would love to have one, but I don’t think either of them gets to 12. I actually don’t know that either of them gets to 11 is the point I’m trying to make.”
Where Will Jacob Rodriguez be Selected in the NFL Draft?
Jacob Rodriguez Texas Tech Red Raiders
GettyTexas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez
It’s almost impossible to find a defender as decorated as Jacob Rodriguez was during his college career. Still, there is some question as to where he’ll be selected in the NFL Draft.
Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Rodriguez ranked as the fifth-best off-ball linebacker on his Big Board. Conversely, ESPN’s Jordan Reid thinks there is a chance that he is the second off-ball linebacker selected and could go as early as the late first round. Slipping into the early second round would also be possible, with another mock draft from Kiper having him go at No. 51 overall.
For his career, Rodriguez has 56 college games, 317 total tackles, 6.0 sacks, and 25.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 6 interceptions, 12 passes defended, and 13 forced fumbles. So, to go along with his accolades and leadership, he also boasts production. The Bengals could use that on their defense. It’s just a matter of where he might be available.