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4 Under-the-Radar Linebackers the Cincinnati Bengals can Target

By Hunter Bittinger

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Linebacker David Woodward #9 of the Utah State Aggies leaps with the football over wide receiver Johnathan Boone #13 of the New Mexico State Aggies after an interception during the first half of the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Linebacker David Woodward #9 of the Utah State Aggies leaps with the football over wide receiver Johnathan Boone #13 of the New Mexico State Aggies after an interception during the first half of the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

David Woodward isn’t a name that is recognized by most because of the school he reigns from, Utah State. Make no mistake about it though, if he went to one of the powerhouse football programs, he’d be featured in a lot more mock drafts that are floating out there.

The Utah State team website describes Woodward as the following,

"” A very athletic player who has great size and runs well in pass coverage… Is a good blitzer and can cover down the field, as well… Is versatile enough to play both inside and outside linebacker.”"

This is the kind of linebacker the Cincinnati front office should be signing up for.

When you look at any evaluation on Woodward the first thing noted is his ability in pass coverage, something the Bengals have been in desperate need of. The next thing of note is his ability to get after the quarterback, as he acquired 8 sacks over the course of his career. While that number won’t blow fans away, it gives defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo another tool to work with.

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Finally, as mentioned by the team website, he has the versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker. The Bengals will undoubtedly have many new faces in the position room after this off-season and it may be hard to fit the newly acquired pieces together. The fact that Woodward can play any spot would make things much easier for the coaching staff.