The Cincinnati Bengals are aiming to strengthen their defense this offseason after missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Their defensive struggles continued through the 2025 season, marking the unit as one of the weakest in the league. With Trey Hendrickson expected to leave in the summer, the Bengals are exploring options to fill the gap.
Prospect Rueben Bain Jr. Emerges as a Top Candidate for Draft Selection
ESPN’s Field Yates recently highlighted edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami as a potential first-round pick for the Bengals at number 10 in the NFL Draft. Yates emphasized Bain’s ability to compensate for his smaller build through superior strength and quick hand technique.
“(Bain) makes up for his more compact frame with overpowering strength and quick hands. Bain earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, dominating opposing offenses on the way to the CFP Championship game.”
– Field Yates, ESPN Analyst
Bain’s Impactful Performance in College Football
Throughout the 2025 season, Bain was a key defensive force for the Miami Hurricanes, playing a critical role in leading the team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Hurricanes narrowly fell to Indiana in the final, showcasing the strength of their defense with Bain at the forefront.
Comparing New Prospects With Existing Talent
Last year, the Bengals chose another pass rusher, Shemar Stewart, whose rookie season produced only one sack. Stewart was primarily selected based on his outstanding physical attributes showcased at the NFL Draft Combine, matching the typical profile teams seek when hunting elite pass rushers.
“Bain is the exact opposite archetype, with 20.5 sacks in three seasons but a lack of premiere physical traits.”
– Field Yates, ESPN Analyst
Looking Beyond Hendrickson as Defensive Struggles Persist
Although the Bengals retained Hendrickson through the 2025 campaign as a temporary solution, his pending departure signals a renewed need for defensive improvement. Despite his presence, the defense remained ineffective throughout much of last season, fueling tension around the unit’s future prospects.
Anticipation Builds for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
With the NFL Draft scheduled for late April in Pittsburgh, the Bengals must decide how best to address their defensive deficiencies, with Rueben Bain Jr. emerging as a promising candidate to serve as the Trey Hendrickson replacement. This choice could significantly influence the team’s defensive identity moving forward.
