On Thursday, February 29th, the linebackers will compete in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Which prospects should Cincinnati Bengals fans keep a close eye on?
History Under Zac Taylor
In the early days of the Taylor administration, the Bengals had a significant need at linebacker, but they were able to fill it with third-round picks in consecutive years. Both North Carolina State’s Germaine Pratt (2019) and Wyoming’s Logan Wilson (2020) have signed second contracts and will continue to lead this defense through 2024.
In 2020, the Bengals extended their double-stamp by selecting Appalachian State’s Akeem Davis-Gaither in the fourth round and Purdue’s Markus Bailey in the seventh. Both have played and started games for the Bengals in previous seasons.
Deshaun Davis, a sixth-round pick from Auburn in 2019, is the lone linebacker drafted by the Bengals since Taylor’s arrival who has failed to stick.
As previously stated, Pratt and Wilson are long-term players, but Davis-Gaither and Bailey are free agents, therefore their depth may suffer significantly once the league season begins.
The Bengals need depth, not starters, and they acquired their starters in Round 3. So, obviously, you wouldn’t expect them to select a linebacker until Day 3.
The Bengals place a premium on versatility in their defensive players. They want fast linebackers who can make rapid readings. They want linebackers who can run and throw, as well as make hard tackles.
Four guys who piqued my interest and may still be available on the final day of the draft are Missouri’s Ty’Ron Hopper, Michigan’s Michael Barrett, Ohio State’s Steele Chambers, and Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs.
