Bengals Draft Coverage LB Logan Wilson: Instant Grade and Analysis

The Cincinnati Bengals have drafted outstanding coverage linebacker, Logan Wilson. Here, we give our instant grade and analysis. 

The days of the Cincinnati Bengals linebacker woes may finally be over. The defense now has new blood in the unit in Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson.

He’s got great size (6’2″, 240 lbs.), experience (39 starts), and production (105 tackles, 4 interceptions, 7 pass breakups). You’ve also got to love the leadership he brings as a three-year team captain, further building Zac Taylor’s culture.

He now joins a linebacker core that holds up-and-coming Germaine Pratt along with veteran Josh Bynes, giving the team a much-improved unit from what they’re used to.

According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., Taylor stated that the defensive staff has been holding their breath all day in hopes that Wilson would fall to them. That’s got to be encouraging for Bengals fans. The front office went out and got their guy.

Hunter Bittinger Grade: A-

Logan Wilson may not be a household name, but Bengals fans are going to be well acquainted with him shortly. He’s a tremendous coverage linebacker, giving the defense just what they need to battle in the AFC North.

He’ll be able to stay on the field on third downs, helping the defense cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. If Lou Anarumo’s defense wants to be able to compete against offensive juggernauts like the Ravens and Chiefs, it’ll be players like Wilson who helps them do so.

The defense looks extremely solid at this point. There’s a good chance that Wilson can make an impact right away. Adding him to the haul of free-agent acquisitions means the defense will be much improved from a year ago.

The only position the Bengals need to really address at this point is the offensive line. If they’re able to get a starter in the fourth round, they’re in business.

Aaron Burd Grade: A

This is a GREAT pick for the Bengals. Linebacker has been their biggest area of need for years and they finally look to have some stability at the position. Between Wilson, the newly signed Josh Bynes, and Germaine Pratt, Lou Anarumo can finally work with a strong group of linebackers to go with his great defensive line.

Perhaps the best part of this pick is that Wilson is an elite coverage linebacker. For years the Bengals’ defense has had their linebackers picked on in the passing game whether it be by tight ends or running backs. Now, Wilson can add some much-needed coverage skills to the unit.

Josh Jones was still on the board, but at this point, it’s clear that teams were not as high on him as the media was. The Bengals take the best linebacker on the board and fill their biggest hole on defense, because of that I give this pick a very high grade.