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NFL Draft: 5 EDGE defenders capable of saving the Bengals’ pass rush

By Hunter Bittinger

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Joseph Ossia #46 of the Texas Longhorns runs down the field after a fumble that was later overturned during overtime of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Joseph Ossia #46 of the Texas Longhorns runs down the field after a fumble that was later overturned during overtime of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Joseph Ossai. Mandatory Credit: Texas won 41-34. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Bengals EDGE targets: Joseph Ossai, Texas

Joseph Ossai, much like the previously mentioned Kwity Paye, is beginning to rapidly climb draft boards. He has a strong start to his junior campaign to thank for that. Through seven games, the Nigeria native has four sacks, 13.5 tackles for a loss, two batted down passes, and three forced fumbles.

He’s an all-around player capable of making an impact in a variety of aspects, thanks to his tremendous burst and speed.

Making him an even more exciting prospect is his age. He’s a true junior this year, and still has more aspects of his game to discover. However, his youth doesn’t cause him to forfeit experience. He got playing time for the Longhorns right away, and he’s appeared in 27 games, starting 15 of those contests.

Ossai is currently projected to go somewhere on day two of the draft but if his breakout campaign continues, he could find his name being mulled by general managers during the opening night of the event.

For the Bengals sake, a fall to the second round would be a dream scenario. It’s still early, but taking an offensive lineman or corner with their first-round pick and scooping up a pass rusher like Ossai at the start of day two would seem like an ideal outcome.