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What do Germaine Pratt and Deshaun Davis Bring to the Bengals?

By Damian Parson

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 14: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball and is chased by Deshaun Davis #57 of the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The LSU defeated the Auburn 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 14: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball and is chased by Deshaun Davis #57 of the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The LSU defeated the Auburn 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Rookie Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo prioritized adding talent to their linebacking corps via the draft. Enter Germaine Pratt and Deshaun Davis. This position group needed a shot in the arm and the front office is creating a competitive environment.

RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: Germaine Pratt #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts following a play against the Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: Germaine Pratt #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts following a play against the Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Pratt and Davis may not be either of the highly touted Devins (White or Bush), but they can have a lasting impact and effect on the Bengals defense. The addition of athleticism and physicality was a must. It usually spells positive results. The Bengals defense ranked 30th in points allowed, 32nd in total yards, and 29th against the run. If that doesn’t underscore a need for fresh faces, nothing does.

Germaine Pratt comes out of NC State as a free safety turned linebacker. His history as a free safety provides the athleticism to be a three down linebacker. After converting to linebacker, Pratt filled out his frame to withstand the punishment of the position. His strength/speed combination allows him to play downhill against the run and sideline to sideline in the passing game. Coach Anarumo should enjoy developing this versatile explosive defender this offseason.  Pratt should be fighting for a starting linebacker position leading into his rookie year.

Deshaun Davis is an undersized powerful striker from Auburn. Standing at just under six feet and weighing 234 pounds, Davis plays with a violent streak and is aggressive on the field. Unlike Pratt, he is likely not a three down defender coming into the league, but can be used as a downhill thumper on first and second downs. If Davis makes the 53-man roster, he could see snaps on special teams as well.

Want to read more about Cincinnati’s offseason? Be sure to check out all of our Bengals coverage on Stripe Hype!

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