The Bengals are hoping to bolster their defense this offseason.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) ties his shoes for the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing in Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer for a pre-draft visit.

Sawyer revealed the news at Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday. Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin attended the workout.

The 6-foot-4, 260 pound defensive end is projected to be a day two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sawyer had 59 tackles (nine for loss) and nine sacks for the Buckeyes last season.

“Dense-framed, even-front defensive end whose game is built for power but not speed.” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his evaluation. “He has short arms and slow power to neutralize and overcome run blocks. However, he lacks a quick-win first step or twitchy stack-and-shed move. He locates the football and racks up tackles when runners near his gaps. He’s a force-based rusher using strong hands, a relentless motor and a pocket-caving charge to run up pressure totals, but his rush lacks quickness. He could see more interior rush opportunities for shorter trips into the pocket. Sawyer is suited for box-based football, which could cap his pro ceiling, but his demeanor, toughness and activity level provide a higher floor.”

Sawyer’s best play of the 2024 season came in the Cotton Bowl when he forced a fumble and returned it 83-yards for the game-clinching touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win over Texas to advance to the National Championship Game.

Even Bengals legend Sam Hubbard gave Sawyer a shoutout. Will Sawyer follow in Hubbard’s footsteps? Time will tell … But the Bengals will certainly take a long look at the former Ohio State star.

Watch a clip from Sawyer’s pro day below:

Ohio State draft prospects Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau doing drills at OSU Pro Day #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/cgeaPxSki2

— Cody Winstead (@CodyWins25) March 26, 2025

Some additional NFL team connection notes from Ohio State pro day:

– Jack Sawyer said his first scheduled team visit is with the Cincinnati Bengals

– Seth McLaughlin said he’ll be at the Atlanta Falcons’ local pro day https://t.co/8hIhDt3THz

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) March 26, 2025