Can’t fight against the youth.
While the youth looks promising, this group did little to prevent the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive slide in 2024. This could be a complete overhaul from a year ago.
Key Players
- B.J. Hill
- Kris Jenkins
- McKinnley Jackson
- Sheldon Rankins
Year In Review
The Bengals lost D.J. Reader in free agency, and they made a concerted effort to replace him, but it did not pan out in the short term. Sheldon Rankins was a swing and a miss. We knew he wouldn’t be what Reader was as a run-stopper, but the hope was that he would at least give them a little pass-rush juice on the interior. Those hopes were not realized.
The Bengals used two top 100 picks on defensive tackles and the jury is still out on the duo. Kris Jenkins was a bit underwhelming for a second-round pick, but they had some nice flashes. McKinnley Jackson looked impressive down the stretch despite somewhat limited snaps.
B.J. Hill was the only constant, continuing to be a solid performer on the defensive interior, but he is a potential free agent this season, so the new defensive line coach may be facing a total rebuild.
Potential Free Agents
- B.J. Hill
- Jay Tufele
What to Do Next?
This is probably the end of the line for Hill and Rankins is likely to be cut.
New defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery has got his work cut out for him, but Jenkins and Jackson have a lot of potential. Montgomery needs to get those two to reach their fullest potential immediately.
The Bengals need to make a couple of additions in this group with a good free agent signing and likely another high draft pick.
What I would do
This draft is deep with talent at defensive tackle. Despite drafting two in the top 100 a year ago, they should spend another premium pick on the position this year. I am a big fan of Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott on Day 2.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of young defensive tackle talent hitting the free agency market this year. While they won’t get much younger than Hill, they could improve on his talent, but it will cost them. I’d love to see them make a move on a Jerry Tillery, Taven Bryan, or Levi Onwuzurike.
