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Bengals Roster: 5 sleepers who can make a difference in 2022

By Cole Sullivan

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 09: Chris Evans #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 09: Chris Evans #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither – Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Akeem Davis-Gaither

This is a big season for Akeem Davis-Gaither. He is coming off a season-ending injury but has the chance to be a massive piece to the Bengals’ defense this season and fill a void they did not have last year.

Davis-Gaither is a more modern-day linebacker which favors his long-term game and the team. He’s very athletic and is effective in coverage, especially across the middle of the field.

Davis-Gaither will play a vital role on the defense alongside Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, and rotational linebackers like Markus Bailey and Joe Bachie who both overachieved when called upon last season.

Throughout Gaithers’ first two seasons in the NFL, he has logged 58 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception. He only appeared in seven games last year and was a fourth-round selection out of Appalachian State, so he didn’t see significant playing time his rookie year. The talented product is heading into year three, and Cincinnati is very fond of his game.

Being a 6’2″, 228-pound athlete allows him to be used in different schemes for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Akeem Davis-Gaither may not be a household name just yet; he could be an instrumental player for the Bengals’ continued success in 2022.