Five players set to see more playing time for the Bengals in 2019

Five Bengals Set to See More Snaps in 2019

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Clayton Fejedelem #42 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after picking up a first down on a fake punt during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 7: Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Miami 27-17. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Sam Hubbard (508 snaps, 45% of defensive snaps)

Michael Johnson accounted for 467 snaps on the defensive line in 2018. His departure should signal extra snaps for the young defensive ends on this roster. Hubbard showed himself the most reliable replacement last year. He posted six sacks while Carl Lawson suffered injuries and Jordan Willis failed to make much of an impression.

Hubbard is versatile enough to shift inside on third down. That could mean the Bengals use some five man fronts with Lawson blitzing from the strong outside linebacker spot.

Last year as a rookie, he graded out as a reasonably stout run defender according to Pro Football Focus (68.7) and has greater pass rush potential than Johnson. Extra snaps should see Hubbard build on his numbers from 2018 and perhaps become a constant in their base 4-3 defense.