Bengals day two defensive playmakers

The Cincinnati Bengals addressed the offensive line in the first round. How long will they wait to address a playmaker in the secondary of the defense?

The Cincinnati Bengals have already addressed their biggest need in the first round when they selected Ohio State center Billy Price. With the depth along the interior line position, could it be possible the Bengals draft a safety in the second round? Cincinnati needs a playmaker on the backend of the defense if they are going to become more aggressive in 2018 and there are still versatile and great playmakers in the second round.

The Bengals need some help in the secondary even with some great pieces already there. Starting safeties George Iloka and Shawn Williams are good starting caliber safeties but are not the versatile ballhawks that the Bengals are looking for. This is not to say that if Cincinnati drafts a safety that either one of those guys is going to be shown the door. New defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is looking to bring more three-safety sets to this defense in 2018.

This year’s safety class is extremely deep with guys that can play all over the defense. Some names are already off the board like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James but there are still top caliber playmaking safeties left as round two starts April 27, 2018, at 7 P.M. ET.

Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison

Ronnie Harrison is a prospect I have mocked to the Bengals numerous times. His tape was extremely impressive and I think he would be a great addition to Cincinnati as they transform their defense in 2018. Harrison is the playmaker that is desperately needed to bring more turnovers and backfield hits to this defense.

The best thing that Harrison does is attack. Playing high most of 2017, Harrison was a downhill punisher that always went after the ball carrier to deliver a grueling hit. The ability to line up anywhere on the defense, Harrison will still be the guy delivering the hit on the ball carrier once it’s delivered.

Harrison can line up anywhere on the defense and play any type of role. He can play single high, hybrid inside linebacker, edge blitz, and drop into coverage off the line of scrimmage. He is an all in one type safety that the Bengals could use. The linebacker position is another area of need and drafting Harrison will minimize that need for being able to drop down into the box and play either the run or drop into coverage.

In 2017, Harrison finished with 74 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 4 pass deflections. During his 2016 campaign, Harrison racked up 83 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections. Those kinds of stats on one of the nations top defenses is remarkable and speaks volumes. He would be a day one starter and playmaker for this Cincinnati defense that only forced 14 turnovers last season.

Finishing his college career with 7 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 7 tackles for a loss, and 17 pass deflections, he is exactly what the Bengals defense needs.

Stanford safety Justin Reid

The Bengals have already brought in Eric Reid during free agency, but could they instead draft his younger brother Justin Reid? The Standford product is another prospect that could add some versatility to the Cincinnati defense. Reid also broke out with five interceptions in 2017, tying the Pac-12 leader in interceptions.

Standing at 6’1″ and 207 pounds, Reid is a hard-hitting safety that loves to punish ball carriers. While he is mostly known for his hard-hitting, he also has the remarkable speed for his position. Running a 4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in March, Reid has the speed to match wide receivers step for step in coverage. His 6.65 three-cone drill was also the 10th best in this year’s draft class.

Unlike Harrison, Reid does not need to go to a specific scheme to have success. His versatility and intelligence make him a great fit in almost any defense at the NFL level. He can also play anywhere the Bengals would need him to. Spending time playing cornerback, playing for about a half against Cal. Like I mentioned earlier, he can keep up step by step even with top wide receivers in coverage.

Also, like Harrison, Reid can line up inside the box and play the hybrid linebacker role or drop into slot corner coverage. The fact that he can line up with top receivers is what is most intriguing. Imagine another safety in the NFL being able to consistently line up against a speedy receiver for long periods. Imagine the gameplan and tricks you could instill in the gameplan with that kind of versatility.

Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates

Jessie Bates is only a two-year starter for Wake Forest which is likely one of the reasons he is dropping to round two. He will likely go in the early second round. Bates would likely be a better coverage safety as he tends to get trapped in the box by blockers when playing the hybrid linebacker role.

When in coverage, Bates has great instincts and attacks the ball at the catch point regularly. I like Bates playing a robber safety role as there are times when he will be overly aggressive and give up a big play. Considering he likes to attack the ball, putting him in a robber role during three-safety sets his rookie season while he develops behind Shawn Williams and George Iloka. He plays best in zone coverages due to his range and instincts but can also play man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers if he needs to.

Like Harrison and Reid, Bates is a hard hitter that can come down and deliver. His light frame at 6’1″ and 200 pounds could limit some of the hard-hitting at the next level. It won’t keep him from trying as he likes to throw his body around. Even with his smaller frame, he packs a nice hit.

Next: Bengals day two offensive line prospects

I would consider Bates right outside the top tier of safeties with some need for development. That doesn’t mean that I don’t think the Bengals should draft him as he would still be a valuable piece in this Cincinnati defense. They could use an aggressive player like Bates in that secondary.