Bengals Eye Linebacker Upgrade After Defensive Struggles

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense struggled mightily in 2025, leaving fans and analysts calling for a complete overhaul. Every level of the unit underperformed, exposing weaknesses in run defense, pass coverage, and pass rush. The need for upgrades is clear as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

Cincinnati enters the NFL Draft with the 10th overall pick, giving them a chance to address multiple defensive needs. Top-tier pass-rushers and elite cornerbacks are obvious targets, especially to pair with emerging stars like DJ Turner II. But another critical area demands attention: the linebacker corps.

Once a strength for the Bengals, the second level has fallen off. Veterans Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson had provided solid tackling and coverage, but Pratt’s departure and Wilson’s decline left a vacuum. Rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. struggled to fill the gap, contributing to one of the league’s worst run defenses.

With the draft approaching, Cincinnati could find a transformative player in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. A standout at both college and the NFL Combine, Styles offers a blend of athleticism, coverage ability, and run-stopping prowess that could immediately upgrade the Bengals’ linebacker unit.

1. Linebacker Woes and Opportunity

The Bengals’ linebacker situation has been a point of concern for years. In the past, Pratt and Wilson anchored the second level, combining coverage skills with physicality. Their consistency allowed the defensive line to focus on pressure while the linebackers cleaned up runs and covered tight ends. With both veterans unable to carry the mantle, Carter and Knight faced a steep learning curve. Their inexperience contributed to missed tackles and poor gap discipline, making Cincinnati vulnerable against both the run and intermediate passing game. Last season, the Bengals allowed 147 rushing yards per game, ranking at the bottom of the league in run defense. Improving the linebacker position is therefore a high priority. Drafting a player who can immediately impact run stopping and coverage could stabilize the defense. Styles, with his size, speed, and instincts, fits this mold. His combination of height, range, and reaction time could address the deficiencies that plagued Cincinnati in 2025. Linebackers are more than just tacklers; they direct traffic on the field. Adding Styles would not only bolster run defense but also enhance overall defensive communication, helping younger teammates like Carter and Knight develop more quickly. A high-caliber second-level player could serve as the foundation of a rebuilt defense.

2. Sonny Styles’ Rise

Styles was already a well-regarded prospect before the NFL Combine, praised for his instincts, physicality, and versatility. In his final season with the Buckeyes, he recorded 83 total tackles, including 46 solo stops, along with a sack, interception, and forced fumble. His ability to cover tight ends man-to-man while filling gaps in the run game made him a standout. The Combine elevated his stock even further. A 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical leap, and refined technique in drills showcased Styles’ rare athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 244-pound frame. Scouts noted his ability to shed blockers efficiently and react instantly to plays, traits that translate immediately to the NFL. His skill set addresses Cincinnati’s most glaring weaknesses. The team ranked second in rushing yards allowed per attempt at 5.2, and Styles’ vision and burst could dramatically improve that metric. In a division featuring power runners like Derrick Henry and rising stars such as Quinshon Judkins, having a linebacker capable of controlling the second level is vital. With his draft stock climbing daily, Styles may not last until the Bengals’ 10th pick. Yet if Cincinnati can secure him, he represents a rare opportunity to shore up the linebacker corps while setting the foundation for a stronger overall defense.

3. Strategic Implications for Cincinnati

Securing a player like Styles could have ripple effects across the Bengals’ defense. His presence would allow the front seven to operate more efficiently, potentially enhancing pass-rush productivity and secondary coverage. A dependable linebacker also brings leadership and consistency, areas the team has lacked. Even if Styles is gone by pick 10, the draft offers alternatives, but few prospects combine his size, speed, and instincts. The Bengals may need to weigh positional value against best-player-available strategies to maximize draft impact. Investing in the linebacker position is also a long-term move. A young, elite linebacker can anchor the second level for years, mentoring younger teammates while contributing immediately. For Cincinnati, Styles could be the cornerstone of a rebuild that touches every facet of the defense. Ultimately, whether through the draft or subsequent trades, the Bengals’ focus on linebackers underscores their commitment to improving a defense that was historically porous last season. The 2026 offseason could mark the beginning of a new era for Cincinnati’s defensive identity.