Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Watch: Trey DePriest
Oct 11, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Trey DePriest (33) reacts to a call during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Alabama defeated Arkansas 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2014 Cincinnati Bengals’ campaign continues to roll along, fans are getting more of an idea of what this team may need to continue its dominance in the AFC North. The Bengals enter the ninth week of the NFL season right where everyone thought they would be, in first place. Well, the road to get to first has been strange, disappointing, and downright exhilarating. When taking a look at this team it becomes clear that due to injuries and poor play, this team could use some help on defense.
The Bengals do not need that number one overall defender, but rather a few guys here and there to supplement their current roster. Also, come draft day, it is very possible the Bengals will be in a position to draft the best player available rather than have to reach for that special player.
Enter a guy like Trey DePriest. DePriest, a senior linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is listed at 6-2, 250 pounds and isn’t that first round caliber player. Many draft pundits have DePriest going somewhere in the second to fourth rounds and that is where the Bengals could make a move for this guy.
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There is a lot of chatter out there about Alabama players, especially on defense, playing so much college football in so many big games that by the time they get to the NFL, their bodies are worn out. Well, DePriest was a rotation guy for two years while current Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley anchored the stingy Crimson Tide defense.
Trey DePriest is an Ohio guy, graduating from Springfield High School in Clark County, Ohio. Upon graduation, DePriest, a five star recruit, was listed as the top linebacker in the United States, and the sixth overall player in the country. So far he has 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass break up for the Tide. These aren’t jump off the page numbers, but this is a guy who can be used in a solid linebacker rotation. With Vontaze Burfict needing a knee scope, Rey Maualuga out a few weeks with a hamstring injury, and Emmanuel Lamur getting dinged up on nearly every play, another solid linebacker could really help.
There is no doubt Trey DePriest is talented enough to play at the next level, and with the right coaching could become a superstar in this league. Watch for DePriest’s stock to rise as the tight SEC conference heats up and college football moves towards the playoffs. DePriest may not be the dominant stud linebacker that everyone is looking for, but as a nice complimentary piece, he could be the proverbial diamond in the rough.