Cincy Jungle
The depth was certainly tested often.
Young, talented, and unproven was the theme of 2024 for the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback position, a group that has much to prove going forward.
Over the summer, the Bengals moved Dax Hill to cornerback and had him compete with DJ Turner for a starting role on the outside. However, it didn’t appear to be much of a competition, and Hill was named the starter.
Hill was a bright spot on a gloomy September defense but tore his ACL in early October. Turner stepped in and also looked impressive until he broke his clavicle in mid-November. With DJ out, the defense turned to fifth-round draft pick Josh Newton, who did an admirable job.
Oddly, though, all of the problems were on the other side. Cam Taylor-Britt had a number of mental letdowns, particularly early in the season, that cost the team big. Taylor-Britt’s play leveled out by the end of the year, but the first half of the season was a rollercoaster.
Mike Hilton was Mike Hilton. He played very well, particularly against the run, and was one of the leaders of the defensive unit.
This is a huge question.
The Bengals have invested a lot of draft capital in this position. They will have to make a decision this offseason on 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill’s fifth-year option. 2022 second-rounder Cam Taylor-Britt is entering a contract year. And then there is 2023 second-rounder DJ Turner looming as well.
Every member of this trio has shown promise, but none has shown consistency. Hill was a safety for his first two seasons in Cincinnati. Taylor-Britt was a wild card for the first half of the year. Turner was a promising rookie whose development was thrown off by Hill’s position change and his injury.
There is a lot of potential here but also a lot of unknowns.
You are tempted to bring back Mike Hilton for some stability, but Hill’s best fit could be in the slot, so maybe that is the way you get the most out of this triumvirate.
Josh Newton also has some potential as a slot and looked solid this season, but they still should look to bring in a veteran. A veteran with inside/outside flexibility would be best if they let Hilton go.
A lot will depend on new defensive coordinator Al Golden and he’s looking for in the position. He will likely lean heavily on cornerback coach Charles Burks when evaluating the potential of this group.
It hurts, but I would probably let Mike Hilton walk and move Dax Hill inside.
I would sign a free agent to play one outside corner position and let Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner compete for the other spot.
Josh Newton would be...
