The Cincinnati Bengals aim to strengthen their defense this offseason after missing the playoffs for a third straight year, primarily due to defensive struggles. With Trey Hendrickson likely leaving in free agency following an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, the Bengals are exploring potential replacements like Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr. to fill the critical pass-rushing void left behind.
Team Defense Faltered Amid Hendrickson’s Injury and Departure Prospects
In 2025, Cincinnati’s defense allowed the third-most points in the NFL, a key factor in their failure to reach the postseason once again. Although the offense managed reasonably well despite the absence of quarterback Joe Burrow for most of the season, the defense was unable to generate enough pressure or stops. Hendrickson, coming off a breakout 17-sack season in 2024, was limited to just four sacks over seven games due to an abdominal injury. Now, with free agency approaching, Hendrickson appears set to depart Cincinnati.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explained the situation surrounding Hendrickson’s contract talks and future with the team:
“This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market.”
?Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider
The Bengals’ Draft Strategy Focuses on Reuben Bain Jr. as a Defensive Asset
Anticipating Hendrickson’s exit, the Bengals seem prepared to seek a strong successor in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Field Yates’ recent mock draft predicts Cincinnati will select Reuben Bain Jr., a Miami pass rusher, with the No. 10 overall pick. Yates highlighted Cincinnati’s urgent defensive needs and contrasted Bain’s profile with another recent Bengals draft pick, Shemar Stewart:
“The Bengals are desperate for defensive help across the board, but it’s hard to achieve much in the NFL without a forceful pass rush. They swung big on an answer to that issue last year by taking Shemar Stewart, who had only 4.5 sacks in three college seasons but posed athletic upside. But Stewart had one sack across eight games as a rookie.”
Bain offers a different style, bringing significant production despite a less prototypical build. He recorded 20.5 sacks over three seasons, using strength and quick hands to overcome physical limitations. His performance earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, helping Miami reach the College Football Playoff Championship game. This combination makes him an appealing option to replace Hendrickson in Cincinnati’s defensive lineup.
Jackson Stone of ClutchPoints described Bain as the “perfect Trey Hendrickson replacement,” though it remains uncertain if the Bengals will have the opportunity to draft him.
Reuben Bain Jr.’s Draft Position Uncertain Amid High Demand
While landing Bain would be ideal for the Bengals, many analysts believe he will be selected before the 10th pick, complicating Cincinnati’s chances. Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien commented on Bain’s potential draft position relative to Cincinnati’s slot:
“If he somehow falls to No. 10, he’s looking more and more like a no-brainer pick for the Bengals. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, it seems more and more like teams will trust Bain’s tape, which will make it difficult for him to land in Cincinnati.”
?James Rapien, Sports Illustrated Analyst
Further complicating matters, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner predicts Bain’s early selection, possibly by the New York Jets at the second overall pick. Renner compared Bain’s physical traits and playing style to former standout Aiden Hutchinson, emphasizing Bain’s exceptional on-field production:
“I’ve compared him to Aiden Hutchinson a little in that Hutchinson got picked apart because the body type was weird. He’s not your traditional defensive end, but when you just watch his tape, you’re just like, ‘why is this guy so much better than everyone else?’”
?Mike Renner, CBS Sports Draft Analyst
With other teams reportedly drawn to Bain’s abilities, Cincinnati will face stiff competition in their search for Hendrickson’s successor, making the upcoming draft a critical moment for the franchise’s defensive future.
