Bengals are taking interest in Ohio State prospect whose production doesn’t match his NFL Draft grade

Cincinnati’s interest in OSU prospects isn’t limited to just the defensive side of the ball.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes running back CJ Donaldson Jr. runs during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals sent a convoy to Ohio State’s pro day this week, headlined by director of player personnel Duke Tobin, and defensive coordinator Al Golden.

Three members of the scouting department were also present, and they may be more familiar with running back CJ Donaldson, whom is no stranger within the Bengals’ personnel department.

Bengals interested in Ohio State running back

Donaldson isn’t Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, or Caleb Downs. He’s not going to be drafted in the first 10 picks, or in the first round entirely. He may not even be drafted at all, but he’s got the attention of multiple NFL clubs.

One of them, according to EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline, are the Bengals.

“The San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Las Vegas Raiders have been meeting with and have shown interest in Donaldson.” — EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline

Donaldson, who’s listed as 6-2 and 230 pounds, finished his collegiate career at OSU, but spent the first three years of his eligibility at West Virginia. He immediately played as a freshman in 2022, rushing for 526 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries in seven games played. He had nearly identical sophomore and junior seasons for the Mountaineers, rushing for 1,532 yards and 22 touchdowns on 334 carries in 25 combined games over the course of those two years.

Donaldson transferred to Ohio State in 2025 and became the No. 2 RB behind freshman phenom Bo Jackson. The Bucks used him plenty near the goal line and he scored 10 touchdowns on only 96 carries. His yards per attempt dropped to 3.8 after he averaged 4.9 at WVU.

When would the Bengals draft CJ Donaldson?

Cincinnati wouldn’t have to use an early draft pick to add Donaldson to its running back room. He’s got the size to be a power back and that comes with athletic limitations. That’s why he’s projected to be a late Day 3 pick despite amassing 2,419 yards and 40 touchdowns in four years at two notable programs.

The Bengals are also bringing in Indiana RB Kaelon Black, another Day 3 prospect, for a 30 visit. Consider Donaldson another data point in their search for a backup tailback to find late in the draft, or after the draft entirely.

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