Bengals: 5 questions that must be answered in training camp

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

How important will the linebackers be to the defense?

Cincinnati did not address the linebacker position much this offseason. Instead, they added multiple Edge rushers, defensive linemen, and secondary players. This shows that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will be running a defense that shies away from linebacker play.

Yes, you will see Logan Wilson as he should be the leading vocalist for the defensive unit. I would also bet on seeing Germaine Pratt as well as the two forms as a tandem.

The Cincinnati Bengals scheme usually resembles a 5-2, which means five defensive linemen and two linebackers. Although, they often use their defensive ends as outside linebackers, making it look more like a 3-4 hybrid.

Ultimately, with the strong safety play that the Bengals have with Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, along with the addition of Mike Hilton, who is known as a slot corner providing a blitz, I don’t expect Cincinnati to favor the linebacker position outside of a few players. There could be a few options via free agency if they decide they want to boost the position.

Nonetheless, it will still have to be a key question they have to answer as training camp rolls along and when they start making cuts. Determining how many pure linebackers will make the 53-man roster will be very interesting.