Cincy Jungle
What can Al Golden do to fix this group?
It’s common to claim that linebacker is not an important position. Because unlike cornerback and defensive end, they don’t have a direct impact on the quarterback.
Well, I say ”poppycock.”
Linebackers have to do it all. They fill gaps in the run game, drop into zone coverage, man up with tight ends and running backs, and blitz the quarterback.
Linebacker is a vital position and the Cincinnati Bengals need to see more production from this group.
The Bengals linebackers started to slide two years ago. This year, the loss of D.J. Reader in front of them predictably accelerated this problem. Germaine Pratt had some good moments, but they became fewer and farther between as the season went on. Pratt had career-high tackle numbers but also led the team in missed tackles. Wilson failed to take his game to that next level we’ve all been anticipating and ended the season on Injured Reserve.
Germaine Pratt was seen by many as a potential cap casualty, and now he has requested a trade. The good news is that he didn’t seem to be in the plans for next year anyway. In interviews, new defensive coordinator Al Golden has lavished praise on Logan Wilson while mentioning Pratt in passing.
Golden was the linebacker’s coach who developed Pratt, Wilson, and Markus Bailey, along with potential free agents Akeem Davis-Gaither and Joe Bachie. As part of their developmental process, Golden (who was responsible for third-down defense even as an assistant) would pull Pratt and Josh Bynes on third downs in favor of Wilson and Davis-Gaither.
Golden seems focused on getting Wilson to finally reach his All-Pro potential after injury setbacks in recent years. With Pratt likely gone, look for the Bengals to acquire a young linebacker to pair him with. Maema Njongmeta could be the guy, but I don’t think it’s smart to commit to him after a limited snap count. Plus, Golden has never coached him.
Believing in the development of a player you see every day is one thing, but committing to a player based on a handful of snaps is another thing altogether. While Njongmeta and Shaka Hayward could bring depth to the position, I expect to see someone new.
With so many other needs, it isn’t being talked about much, but I see the Bengals using a Day 2 pick on a linebacker who makes an immediate impact. While I suspect Bama’s Jihaad Campbell may go off the boards too soon for the Bengals’ liking, I think Oregon’s Jeffrey Bassa or Iowa’s Jay Higgins could be just the ticket.
I’d start with Wilson and, let’s say, Higgins, with Njongmeta and Hayward rounding out the depth. I’d love to hedge my draft bet with a Bynes-esque cheap veteran as well.
