Combine Coverage: Who Are the Bengals Talking To? | Freak Performers & Others Who Stepped Forward

Описание: Episode 237 of Bengals On The Brain is here, presented by First Star Logistics. Host Joe Goodberry dives headfirst into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, analyzing the Day 1 performances from the Defensive Linemen and Linebackers. The offseason is officially in full swing, and while Free Agency is looming, the Combine is where the foundation of the future roster is built.

In this episode, Joe breaks down the testing numbers, the film translation, and the specific players who may have vaulted themselves up the Cincinnati Bengals' draft board. Don't Ignore Testing!!!!!!

The episode kicks off with a look at the premier talent. Sonny Styles did exactly what everyone expected him to do: he looked like a freak athlete. Joe discusses why Styles remains a top-of-the-draft lock and potentially a target for teams trading up, solidifying his status as one of the elite prospects in this class. While his testing didn't change his grade, it confirmed the elite ceiling that scouts have been raving about.

One of the most interesting discussions of Day 1 revolves around Reuben Bain. Joe addresses the "elephant in the room": Bain’s sub-31-inch arms. Historically, teams—including the Bengals—shy away from short-armed defensive linemen in the first round. However, Joe draws comparisons to Bengals legend Geno Atkins and former Bengal Carl Lawson. Like those players, Bain compensates with leverage, explosive hands, and a "Tasmanian Devil" style of play that disrupts blocking schemes. Joe explains why Bain might slide inside to Defensive Tackle in the NFL and why his tape might outweigh the measurements for specific teams, including the Bengals at Pick 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Then Joe digs into others who took advantage of the first day of the combine to test well and become players to watch in the second round or later, before digging into who the Bengals have talked with so far at the combine.