With their fourth-round pick, the Bengals go back to the linebacker position. This time they do so by selecting Oregon Ducks prospect Troy Dye. Linebacker is the Bengals weakest position on defense by far and the team will be sure to use draft capital on improving that group.
Germaine Pratt and Josh Bynes would likely start for the Bengals, with Zack Baun flying around the field in different roles as well. Dye would start his career as a backup, barring an impressive training camp. While he may not break into the starting lineup immediately, he would potentially have the room to grow into a starter with time.
Dye’s biggest hurdle will be adding weight, as he is currently brought down by his less than ideal frame. He possesses the football IQ, tackling abilities, and three-down abilities a team would want in a starting linebacker and if he can add weight and keep it he could eventually be a valuable player for the Cincinnati defense.
The linebacker position has plagued the Bengals defense for years. With Bynes, Baun, and Dye being added to the team in addition to a potential Pratt breakout season, the Bengals could finally start to see some stability at a position that has long been one of their weakest.