Cincinnati Bengals third-round pick Sam Hubbard wants to learn from the best in camp. He has been soaking up the knowledge of Carlos Dunlap in camp.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard in the third-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Coming into a locker room with a deep talent at the position, Hubbard will likely see minimal playing time during the 2018 campaign. What better way to develop behind a deep expertise positional group than learn from the best?
Hubbard has been working with Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap during mandatory minicamp. Dunlap sat out of voluntary workouts and is in the final season of his respected contract. When asked about his contract, Dunlap said that his agent and the Bengals are working on an extension.
It turns out that Hubbard and Dunlap played under the same coach while in college with Urban Meyer. Of course, Hubbard played under Meyer at Ohio State while Dunlap played under him at Florida State. The Bengals have been giving Hubbard reps all around the defensive line during OTA’s including in coverage to see what he can do in the defense. He is not a threat to Dunlap at this point but can learn some great things from the elite playmaker.
“He’s already given me a few pointers and tips,” Hubbard said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Something small. Watching the lineman’s stance so you know where he’s going. If he’s blocking down. You can always get tips on stuff like that from guys that have been in the league for nine years. They’ve got a knowledge.”
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It’s great to hear about rookies getting tips and pointers from stars like Dunlap even while in a contract negotiation with the team. Hubbard should bring a rotational role to the Bengals defensive line in 2018. After watching the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl last season with a dominant and intense pass rush, Cincinnati could use another excellent pass rusher in their rotation, and it could be Hubbard.