Sonny Styles
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The Bengals have hosted Sonny Styles, Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Akheem Mesidor on pre-draft visits
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason knowing that they have some work to do, and with the 2026 NFL Draft drawing near, that still holds true. While the Bengals are loaded on the offensive side of the ball, they need help on defense, especially after watching their top defender, Trey Hendrickson, sign with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
With that in mind, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Cincy load up on this side of the ball when the draft rolls around. Ahead of the action, the Bengals have spent a considerable amount of time eyeing the top defensive prospects available, and that continued this week, as the team recently brought three big-name players to town for visits.
Bengals Host Sonny Styles, Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Akheem Mesidor on Visits
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
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 10, 2026
Armed with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round, it would be a shock if the Bengals drafted an offensive player at this spot. And based on their activity ahead of the draft, it doesn’t seem like the team has any intention of doing that. Cincy is looking for someone who can come in and be a defensive cornerstone for them, which is why they are checking out Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles and Miami Hurricanes defensive end Akheem Mesidor.
Styles is one of the most versatile prospects in this draft, as he’s a converted safety who has become a stud at the middle of the field (82 tackles, one sack, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble in 2025). Mesidor, meanwhile, just helped Miami make a run to the National Championship Game, as he totaled 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 15 games last year.
Cincinnati isn’t focused on just the first round, though, as it has work to do in every round of the draft. With that in mind, they also took a look at Styles’ brother, fellow Ohio State star Lorenzo Styles Jr. A cornerback/safety hybrid, Styles doesn’t have the sort of draft billing that his brother has, but he still is an intriguing prospect (30 tackles, three pass breakups last year). Cincy is eyeing all three guys, as they brought them in for visits this week.
“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,” Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported in a post on X.
Bengals’ Draft Plans Beginning to Come into Focus
Akheem Mesidor
GettyMiami EDGE rusher Akheem Mesidor
The Bengals aren’t going to draft all three of these guys, as they will only be able to select one of Styles or Mesidor. If Styles were to fall to Cincinnati at the No. 10 pick, the front office would almost surely scoop him up, but that seems unlikely to happen. Mesidor, on the other hand, might be a bit of a reach for Cincy at this spot, although it could trade down the board and potentially add him and some draft capital in the process.
Lorenzo Styles is considered a Day 3 pick, so he could be added late in the draft for the Bengals. Pairing him up with his brother would certainly be neat, but again, the odds of Cincinnati landing Sonny have to be considered relatively low. Regardless of what they end up doing, it’s clear defense is a priority for this group heading into the draft, with this slate of visits only further confirming that train of thought.