Vernon Hargreaves III is a great pickup for the Bengals

Thursday evening, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed former Houston Texans cornerback Vernon Hargreaves lll off of waivers. Hargreaves was a former first-round pick out of the University of Florida, where he performed as one of the best defensive players in the country. He ended up being the 11th overall pick to Tampa Bay back in 2016.

This is an excellent move by the Bengals. Let’s look at what Hargreaves can provide this team.

So far in 2021, Hargreaves has appeared in every game for the Houston Texans defense, although he has not performed to his peak play and ended up on waivers. However, the talent is there for this CB.

He excels out of the slot and is better in overall coverage than Mike Hilton. This will bring a lot of depth to the secondary and a player who might exceed expectations in a new scheme and with a new team competing for a playoff spot and a division title.

From 2016-2019, Hargreaves played and started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but once they cleaned house and made way for Tom Brady and company, the former first-rounder was a part of that. The last two and a half seasons he has spent as a starter for the Texans.

In 65 career games, Hargreaves has managed 273 total tackles, 41 assisted tackles, 31 pass deflections, four interceptions, and one touchdown. Now for a guy drafted 11th overall, these stats don’t jump off the screen. However, even though he hasn’t lived up to this full potential, he still is a very productive corner out of the slot and will provide a solid backup to Hilton and can potentially share snaps when it comes to crucial coverage situations.

His current Pro Football Focus grade is 54.3, which isn’t astounding but remains above average. Unfortunately, he played on one of the worst statistical defenses in the league this season, which doesn’t help his case or his ability to make plays. He has been targeted 24 times this year, which ranks 80th, he has 20 solo tackles tied for 55th among all cornerbacks who have played at least 20% of the league’s highest volume snaps, and he has one interception this year, which is tied for 15th.

This won’t be a season-changing signing, but as we approach mid to late November and into December, having talented depth and capable starters are essential. Injuries happen at unprecedented times.

With the additions of Tre Flowers a few weeks ago and now Vernon Hargreaves lll, the Bengals depth in the secondary is extremely deep.