Former Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon is reportedly visiting the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend after wowing at his pro day last week.
“The Enquirer learned per a league source late Friday night that University of Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon flew to Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches and front office executives over the weekend,” wrote Jim Owczarski. “The visit follows up a private meeting the club had with the controversial running back prior to his pro day in Norman, Oklahoma on March 8.”
Mixon was not invited to the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine because of a 2014 incident in which he hit a female student at a restaurant. He was suspended that year by Oklahoma but was welcomed back and was a prominent player for the Sooners this past season, something that was very controversial after video came out over the winter of the brutal attack.
A player many scouts rave about in pure football terms, he has the athleticism, build and instincts to potentially become a phenomenal pro player. Of course, his 2014 attack will be a huge issue that lingers throughout his career, which is something every team interested in his skills must weigh.
That said, the Bengals are known for giving players with questionable off-field issues a chance. Current examples on their roster include linebacker Vontaze Burfict and cornerback Adam Jones, who continues to get into hot water off the field to this day.