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It’s really hard to overlook the upgrades the Cincinnati Bengals made to the defensive line this offseason.
Literally, considering Dexter Lawrence is 6’5” and 350 pounds. Figuratively, too, given the dramatic difference in starting-caliber players and quality depth across the board compared to just one year ago.
It isn’t just the arrival of Lawrence, either. There’s also the addition of Jonathan Allen to keep in mind, too.
Allen’s presence plays a big role in Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton naming the Bengals’ defensive line as one of the most overall improved position groups in the entire NFL this offseason.
“In addition to Lawrence, the Bengals signed Allen to a two-year, $25 million contract,” Moton wrote. “He's a three-down defender who's played at least 70 percent of the snaps in five of the previous six campaigns.”
Lawrence is a game- and scheme-altering nose tackle who might not fill up the stat sheet. Allen is a versatile leader who might not stuff the stat sheet, either.
Together, though? Both guys should ease the burden on other names like BJ Hill, while also opening up first-round products on the edge like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, to actually live up to their draft status. Ditto for helping along an anticipated upswing from free-agent addition Boye Mafe.
Of course, the cost was steep. The Bengals gave up the 10th overall pick and plenty of millions to make it happen. But the ripple effect the NFL’s most improved defensive line should have on the rest of the unit should be easy to see, right from Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 1 analysis says Bengals have most improved positional group in NFL
Continue reading...
Literally, considering Dexter Lawrence is 6’5” and 350 pounds. Figuratively, too, given the dramatic difference in starting-caliber players and quality depth across the board compared to just one year ago.
It isn’t just the arrival of Lawrence, either. There’s also the addition of Jonathan Allen to keep in mind, too.
Allen’s presence plays a big role in Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton naming the Bengals’ defensive line as one of the most overall improved position groups in the entire NFL this offseason.
“In addition to Lawrence, the Bengals signed Allen to a two-year, $25 million contract,” Moton wrote. “He's a three-down defender who's played at least 70 percent of the snaps in five of the previous six campaigns.”
Lawrence is a game- and scheme-altering nose tackle who might not fill up the stat sheet. Allen is a versatile leader who might not stuff the stat sheet, either.
Together, though? Both guys should ease the burden on other names like BJ Hill, while also opening up first-round products on the edge like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, to actually live up to their draft status. Ditto for helping along an anticipated upswing from free-agent addition Boye Mafe.
Of course, the cost was steep. The Bengals gave up the 10th overall pick and plenty of millions to make it happen. But the ripple effect the NFL’s most improved defensive line should have on the rest of the unit should be easy to see, right from Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 1 analysis says Bengals have most improved positional group in NFL
Continue reading...
