During the offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals concentrated on securing Joe Burrowโs key offensive weapons to long-term contracts, ensuring that both Tee Higgins and JaโMarr Chase will continue to don the teamโs distinct orange and black colors. With these signings complete, the Bengals turned their attention to bolstering their defense and offensive line through the NFL draft.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in the teamโs current depth chart, acknowledging that while the players are still familiarizing themselves with the new schemes, they can now focus on playing football. โWe feel really good about where we are at,โ Taylor noted, emphasizing the importance of the strategic additions.
Former Bengals linebacker coach, Al Golden, has rejoined the team as defensive coordinator. Tasked with improving a defense that ranked 25th in total yards allowed and struggled in critical areas such as red zone defense last season, Golden faces a significant challenge. Among the fresh talent brought in is Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart, whose potential as a run-stopper could be invaluable. Despite leading his college team in quarterback pressures, Stewart aims to enhance his pass-rushing capabilities with the Bengals.
The Bengals face a possible shake-up on the defensive line should they trade All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, who is in the final year of his contract and seeking a new deal. They also drafted two linebackersโDemetrius Knight Jr. of South Carolina and Clemsonโs Barrett Carterโto potentially replace Germaine Pratt if necessary. Taylor holds high regard for Golden and his capacity to swiftly integrate these players into the teamโs framework.
On the offensive front, third-round draft pick Dylan Fairchild is expected to compete immediately for a starting place on the offensive line. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher remarked that the left guard position is โabsolutely his to win.โ Last year, a fellow University of Georgia alumnus, Amarius Mims, secured the starting right tackle position for the Bengals.
Fairchild relishes the opportunity to play under new Bengals offensive line coach, Scott Peters, even dubbing their partnership a โmatch made in heaven.โ Boone about the pairโs connection was further bolstered by Fairchildโs wrestling background, which aligns with Petersโ own experience in mixed martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu.
Jalen Rivers, a versatile fifth-round pick from Miami, played mostly at left tackle but is seen as more of a guard at the professional level. His experience blocking for quarterback Cam Ward highlights the importance of maintaining steady protection for dynamic quarterbacks like Joe Burrow. Rivers is excited about continuing the task of ensuring his quarterback has the necessary time to make plays.
The Bengals rounded out their draft by selecting Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks in the sixth round. Although initially committed to Tulsa with recruitment overseen by current Bengals running backs coach Justin Hill, Brooks ultimately chose Texas Tech, boasting 1,000-yard seasons in his last two years. Despite concerns over his heavy usage in college, Brooks aims to be a strategic addition to Cincinnatiโs backfield under Hillโs guidance.