Discuss

It would be tough I like all 3 but Styles has Fred Warner comps and he fills a need. I really think this D needs a leader, though that can get all the guys lined up correctly and is smart, we havent had that on the D since Jessie Bates left.

If you told me Styles was as smart at Downs I'd say Styles, but for me I think I'm slightly leaning Downs here. But I like Bain too.

Downs all day. Best pick they could possibly make, IMO.

I'd be thrilled with any of those three honestly. I voted Downs, but I'm still not convinced they value the position enough to pull the trigger on him. As others have suggested lately, the Bengals may end up picking a CB. I'd personally prefer any of the three above to a CB, but WTF do I know?

Bain, as I think he's the #1 player in the entire draft.

I think the Raiders are making a mistake by passing on him.

But I would be ecstatic with any of these 3 at the end of the day.

Bain > Mendoza

The dream mock where we had the choice of Bain, Downs, and Styles at #10 ...

https://www.nfl.com/news/lance-zierlein-2026-nfl-mock-draft-3-0-cowboys-hit-the-jackpot-at-no-12-plus-two-trades

5 hours ago, Jamie_B said:

It would be tough I like all 3 but Styles has Fred Warner comps and he fills a need. I really think this D needs a leader, though that can get all the guys lined up correctly and is smart, we havent had that on the D since Jessie Bates left.

If you told me Styles was as smart at Downs I'd say Styles, but for me I think I'm slightly leaning Downs here. But I like Bain too.

Agree they need a leader that can back up the rah-rah talk. That smiley, nice guy stuff has no place on an NFL field. I'm not asking them to go draft a literal murderer like Ray Lewis but no one on this defense scares anybody.

I still give the edge to Styles but any one of the 3 would be great. Do wonder if they have Bain ranked lower because they're over-invested in Murphy & Stewart. Expect the team's annual fluff piece about how much one or both enjoy rescuing kittens any day now.

not that there's anything wrong with that

They need players at every level of the defense but more than anything they need a different attitude. If all 3 of them are gone I won't be mad at the top CB either. That'd be a strong DB room & even if they're still pudding-soft up front maybe they don't feel like they need 50 to win games & that makes everyone's job easier. Competition is good, too many are starting on D only because they're the last man standing.

As others have said, any of the three would be great. Each has a stellar resume, has been really productive, plays hard, and brings leadership qualities. Each guy has some versatility to his game.

Styles has the prototypical measurables, whereas Downs gives you the “off the charts” football smarts. Bain brings the junkyard dog mentality and physicality.

OTOH Bain has the shorter arms, Downs has some knee concerns - which may or may not have been overblown (listening to Sirius NFL channel, Pat Kirwan, former GM, voiced some concern about it … not sure where that’s coming from), and Styles is reportedly a great kid but is still pretty new to the LB position.

As much as Downs is appealing and is a better player than Battle, still think I’d take Bain. If Duke is to be believed, pass rush is king and he brings it. I love the attitude and how he plays… I think he’s the kind of guy that can infuse that into the defense. The type who’ll challenge others who aren’t playing to the standard. A guy who can close out games, who makes a play when it’s needed.

How many times have they needed someone - anyone - to step up at crunch time, to harass the QB, to get a sack, whatever - only to watch the opposing offense make a play. Hendrickson was the only guy on the team who could do that. It’s encouraging to see Murphy improve, and I have high hopes for Mafe - and Stewart can give you something, but not sure how much, and when - he’s still very much a work in progress.

I look at Seattle last year, and they brought a dominant defensive front (along with some key pieces in the back end) that was their “special sauce.” The Bengals have a shot to enhance their front with a guy like Bain, and I think they should take it. But again, any of the three, if available, would fill a need.

I cheated a little bit as I don't think Styles will be there and went with my draft crush going back months, Caleb Downs.

He reminds me of (God and St Paul Brown forgive me), Troy Pileofpoopoo.

Just me but I simply do not want a cornerback that high and do NOT want to see them reach and end

up with the next Meh Murphy or Shit for Brains Stewart.

I would trade down or back even for another second rounder this year and something high next.

I said this earlier even before they cut Matt Lee but I want a Center and looking like the best will

be available late 2 or 3.

I also think they will hit free agency after the draft.

I don't think Bain drops any lower than #9 to KC. The Chiefs are bringing Bain in for a visit and seem to love him. The only question seems to be if he even falls to the #9 pick.

No reason to expect Styles to last on the board even close to pick 10.

I think Downs is the only one of the three that might be on the board for the Bengals pick. If he is still on the board, it's only because he plays a so-called non-premium position.

I went Downs for the smart factor and leadership qualities. It was a hard choice because I like Sonny Styles, too. He brings a physical mentality to his game.

Either one would be fine.

🏈 1)Styles 2)Bain 3)Downs Any of them would be fantastic. Love the idea of an elite linebacker and I'm not sure that Styles being a former safety is such a bad thing. Can't imagine he'll actually be there though. If he was there at 10, he'd definitely be BPA, and fill our biggest need. That would only be a happy coincidence though. Don't draft for need. Outside of Tate, take any top talent. It's been said to death, but we need impact players from the 1st round. The whole defense needs help, but I wouldn't mind a top notch offensive lineman or Jeremiyah Love. Running the ball effectively would be a huge boon, but I know there's legitimate doubts about their ability to adjust and scheme for it. Even with an elite running back. I can only imagine the number of games we could've closed out with a dominant back burning the clock and keeping our defense off the field.

Let's hope the 💩 Browns flush their pick down 🚽 ... This would be Classic Cleveland

The poll should have a fourth option - what if all 3 players are avaialble and Dufus picks someone else. Because deep down we all want the Bengals to pick someone else lol.

"With the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select, from Alabama, QB Ty Simpson".

39 minutes ago, BlackJesus said:

Let's hope the 💩 Browns flush their pick down 🚽 ... This would be Classic Cleveland

There had been earlier rumors about them taking Freeling at 6, hopefully they go OL no matter what.

Styles is an athletic freak, missed one tackle last season, and is only in his second year as a LB. He will continue to get better. I would be happy with any of the 3, but Styles is the best combination of talent and need.

4 hours ago, BlackJesus said:

Let's hope the 💩 Browns flush their pick down 🚽 ... This would be Classic Cleveland

I mean don't they draft a QB every year with their first pick? Almost seems like it. :)

Still wondering about Caleb Down's strange answer to a question about the Bengals (and apparently only Cincinnati got this response.) Does it mean that Downs very much wants to be drafted by the Bengals or is he trying to avoid them? Definitely feels like one or the other.

Downs spoke to WLWT’s Jaron May after his workout at OSU’s pro day and was asked if he’s talked to Cincinnati at any point in the pre-draft process.
“No comment,” responded Downs.

I'd take Styles simply because he looks like a future pro-bowler and the Bengals LB corps was historically bad last year. Replacing Carter with Styles is a bigger jump than replacing Murphy with Bain or Battle with Downs.

And not buying Kadyn Proctor as pick 6. Browns might be looking at him for pick 24 but even that wouldn't be a good fit for them. Proctor can't play LT in the NFL and they already traded for Tytus Howard to start for them at RT. They'll probably take Tate at 6 and Lomu or Miller at 24.

1 hour ago, dex said:

Still wondering about Caleb Down's strange answer to a question about the Bengals (and apparently only Cincinnati got this response.) Does it mean that Downs very much wants to be drafted by the Bengals or is he trying to avoid them? Definitely feels like one or the other.

Downs spoke to WLWT’s Jaron May after his workout at OSU’s pro day and was asked if he’s talked to Cincinnati at any point in the pre-draft process.
“No comment,” responded Downs.

🤨

3 hours ago, Jason said:

Styles is an athletic freak, missed one tackle last season, and is only in his second year as a LB. He will continue to get better. I would be happy with any of the 3, but Styles is the best combination of talent and need.

He's also a former Safety, and the Bengals do like their former Safety Linebackers, as that's what Pratt was.

1 hour ago, Jamie_B said:

He's also a former Safety, and the Bengals do like their former Safety Linebackers, as that's what Pratt was.

Indeed