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Cincinnati Bengals OTAs getting underway means a brief batch of football for fans to watch before the summer break.
And in Cincinnati, it means droves of new storylines, especially this offseason. The Bengals went all-in with the Dexter Lawrence trade and big spending, signaling a critical hot-seat year for Zac Taylor and staff.
Right out of the gates in OTAs, a few big things to watch stick out.
Fans know the drill by now. The Bengals elected to not address linebacker this offseason, going all-in on Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. The hope is that a much-improved line in front of them, paired with natural development, is the key. But they also can’t repeat the mistake of last year in only signing Oren Burks as veteran depth, so if things don’t look good, it ups the chance of a free-agent signing.
Former first-rounder Myles Murphy flashed at the end of last year. Will it continue? How’s Shemar Stewart, last year’s first-rounder, starting to come along in his first normal offseason? Don’t forget Boye Mafe, the big free-agent signing and guy they hope can take a leap in a new system? We’ll see some flashes from all in this early summer work. Plus, we’ll see if rookie Cashius Howell sees a nice chunk of coverage snaps as they figure out ways to get him on the field.
Bryan Cook is in Cincinnati as the latest attempt to fix the Jessie Bates mistake. He’ll line up next to Jordan Battle, but don’t forget the other new arrival, Kyle Dugger. At corner, Dax Hill wants to stay on the boundary, as he should. But we’ll get a first look at whether the Bengals make that happen, or ask him to kick inside to the unaddressed slot position.
There’s an interesting battle or spot going on behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Andrei Iosivas had a down year as the third wideout last year and they drafted Colbie Young. Charlie Jones is pretty strictly special teams, while names like Mitch Tinsley, Kendric Pryor and others will fight for roster spots too.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 quick Bengals OTAs storylines to watch
Continue reading...
And in Cincinnati, it means droves of new storylines, especially this offseason. The Bengals went all-in with the Dexter Lawrence trade and big spending, signaling a critical hot-seat year for Zac Taylor and staff.
Right out of the gates in OTAs, a few big things to watch stick out.
The LB fallout
Fans know the drill by now. The Bengals elected to not address linebacker this offseason, going all-in on Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. The hope is that a much-improved line in front of them, paired with natural development, is the key. But they also can’t repeat the mistake of last year in only signing Oren Burks as veteran depth, so if things don’t look good, it ups the chance of a free-agent signing.
The hyped edge rushers
Former first-rounder Myles Murphy flashed at the end of last year. Will it continue? How’s Shemar Stewart, last year’s first-rounder, starting to come along in his first normal offseason? Don’t forget Boye Mafe, the big free-agent signing and guy they hope can take a leap in a new system? We’ll see some flashes from all in this early summer work. Plus, we’ll see if rookie Cashius Howell sees a nice chunk of coverage snaps as they figure out ways to get him on the field.
A revamped secondary
Bryan Cook is in Cincinnati as the latest attempt to fix the Jessie Bates mistake. He’ll line up next to Jordan Battle, but don’t forget the other new arrival, Kyle Dugger. At corner, Dax Hill wants to stay on the boundary, as he should. But we’ll get a first look at whether the Bengals make that happen, or ask him to kick inside to the unaddressed slot position.
Bonus: The WR room
There’s an interesting battle or spot going on behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Andrei Iosivas had a down year as the third wideout last year and they drafted Colbie Young. Charlie Jones is pretty strictly special teams, while names like Mitch Tinsley, Kendric Pryor and others will fight for roster spots too.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 quick Bengals OTAs storylines to watch
Continue reading...
