Predicting the winners of the Bengals’ top training camp battles

Bengals’ training camp battles: Starting Nickel Linebackers

The Bengals have had a recurring issue with their linebacker position over the past decade. In 2020, they sought to change that be revamping the position altogether. After signing veteran Josh Bynes in free agency, they also selected Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither, and Markus Bailey in the draft.

With these four new faces at the position and second-year player Germaine Pratt being a potential breakout candidate, the linebackers look better than they have in years. The rookies may face difficulties in their first season, but the group looks much better on paper than last year.

While defenses typically field three starting linebackers, the Bengals primarily run a nickel defense, where they only use two linebackers. Because of this, there will essentially be just two starting linebackers in Lou Anarumo’s defense.

Germaine Pratt and Josh Bynes are the frontrunners for the top two spots and there is no reason to believe the rookies will unseat them just yet. Wilson and Davis-Gaither may just be the most talented linebackers on the team, but they are young and will probably face challenges adapting to the NFL.

Thankfully, Pratt improved towards the end of the season, giving fans hope that he could eventually develop into a force on defense. Additionally, the veteran Bynes had a great season with the Baltimore Ravens and should provide solid play while the rookies work out the kinks in their respective games.

The Bengals have a serious chance to have a strong defense in 2020. By using Pratt and Bynes as their primary linebackers until the rookies prove themselves, they can ensure the linebacker unit does not bring down the play of the defenders on the line and in the secondary. For now, experience wins out over talent, and Pratt and Bynes will take the two starting nickel spots.

Winners: Germaine Pratt and Josh Bynes