
The second-round pick is working to be alongside Logan Wilson in September.
The Cincinnati Bengals have their hands full with the Shemar Stewart contract situation as training camp approaches.
The front office and first round pick are having contract disagreements, and it has lasted since he was selected back in April.
The first-round pick is still unsigned, but their second-round pick, Demetrius Knight Jr., has been quietly flying under the radar and is fighting for a potential starting position alongside Logan Wilson.
Knight will be battling it out with free agency signing Oren Burks, and head coach Zac Taylor was asked about Knight.
“Those guys are still competing for that. I do think he has worked really hard. As I come in the building, he’s one of the first guys in the locker room every single day. Very mature. He’s ready to go, ready to compete,” said Taylor, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Obviously, it is still very early in the summer, and training camp will sort this battle out, but it is clear there is a shining opportunity for the former Gamecock with the departure of Akeem Davis-Gaither and Germaine Pratt.
New defensive coordinator Al Golden will also have fourth-round pick Barrett Carter to work with as well at the linebacker position.
It will be interesting to see how playing time shapes out for the three new additions in the linebacker room.