Bengals: 3 sleepers who can make a difference in 2021
By Alex Austin
Cincinnati Bengals sleepers – No. 2: Drew Sample
The Bengals have a loaded offense and with Joe Burrow at quarterback, the team took a big step forward last year. Joe Mixon is one of the best running backs in the NFL and helps balance out the offense by providing a formidable rushing attack.
The receiving corps of Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best receiving group in the NFL. But, the Bengals could be primed to add one more weapon with all the attention focused elsewhere.
Drew Sample was drafted by the Bengals to try and be the replacement to Tyler Eifert. While that has not happened so far in his short career, Sample is in a perfect position this year.
The opposing defense will need at least four defenders on the line to defend the run, three on single coverage against their top three receivers, which leaves four players left. With the talent that the receivers have to go over the top of a defense two will usually be used to help in coverage. The remaining two will be asked to follow Sample or defend the run.
Sample is going to come into the year underrated which means he may get the worst defender on defense. Being able to be a quick release for Burrow by finding the soft spot of the zone or quickly creating separation could help Sample put together his best season yet.
While he likely won’t be breaking any records, Sample could play a key role in keeping drives moving on third down and allowing the offense to fire on all cylinders.