Cincinnati Connections: Top NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
The Cincinnati Bengals hosted their annual local pro day Tuesday morning at Paycor Stadium. More than 30 players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft with Cincinnati ties attended.
Local pro day highlights
The event brought prospects from college and regional programs. Scouts and team personnel observed workouts and drills.
Attendees will learn their draft destinations in just over a week. The timing overlaps with final evaluations before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Prospects and local ties
Jalen Kitna was among the participants. He has family ties to the stadium through his father.
Rodney Heath Jr. drew attention despite being a long shot this draft season. Observers noted his effort and skill during drills.
The showcase underlined Cincinnati Connections and several Top NFL Draft Prospects preparing for the next level.
Draft buzz and projected picks
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Mendoza is a national championship-winning quarterback from Indiana.
Analysts expect the pick to occur next Thursday, when the draft begins. Teams will finalize decisions in the coming days.
Bengals trade talk and roster chatter
Players have discussed the potential impact of acquiring Dexter Lawrence II. Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. publicly expressed interest in a trade for the Giants nose tackle.
The conversations reflect players’ desire to bolster the defensive line. Trade rumors could heat up as the draft nears.
Other NFL developments
Joe Burrow drew headlines last season for visible frustration with losses. His mood remains a talking point among observers.
A former Denver Broncos backup quarterback has landed with a new team. Teams continue to shuffle rosters ahead of training camps.
Media and streaming news
Netflix is reportedly pursuing a package of 2026 regular-season games. The package includes the Week 1 contest scheduled in Australia.
Netflix prefers to stream the game one night earlier from Seattle, if possible. Rights discussions are ongoing.
Reporter departure
NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from Filmogaz.com. Her departure came less than a week after photos with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel surfaced.
The images prompted an internal investigation at the New York Times-owned sports outlet. The situation drew attention across the league media landscape.
