How the Cincinnati Bengals can retool their defense this off-season

Cincinnati Bengals, Germaine Pratt (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals, Germaine Pratt (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Don’t be surprised if the Bengals emphasize defense in this year’s draft after the first round.  Breaking it down into groups, let’s look at some interesting names to be aware of.

Linebackers like Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray will rank high on the draft board however, there is certainly no guarantee they will be available at 33. Other names to remember on days two and three are Akeem Davis-Gaither, Malik Harrison, Troy Dye, and Jordyn Brooks.

Edge rushers like Zach Baun, Yetur Gross-Matos, Terrell Lewis, Josh Uche, Curtis Weaver, and Jonathan Greenard could be guys the Bengals will show interest in as well.

Defensive linemen such Neville Gallimore and Ross Blacklock are guys that could be on the Bengals radar on day two.

It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see the front office pick up a cornerback. Bryce Hall, A.J. Terrell, Jeff Gladney, Damon Arnette, Cameron Dantzler, and A.J. Green could be some names to remember.

Next. The Bengals need to adopt an ‘us against the world’ mentality. dark

Conclusion

The prospect list is sure to grow as we get deeper into the process. Look for the Bengals to try to add draft picks beforehand or during the draft itself. Between the draft and free agency, the Bengals have an opportunity to upgrade the defense and turn this unit around sooner rather than later.