Bengals Training Camp Preview: S
Players:
22. Geno Stone
24. Vonn Bell
27. Jordan Battle
26. Tycen Anderson
33. Daijahn Anthony
37. PJ Jules
40. Michael Dowell
The Bengals will have quite the three headed monster at safety this season. Geno Stone was brought in during free agency. Daxton Hill moves to CB, and Stone will take over as the starting FS. His success in Baltimore as a late round pick turned starter was eye catching. The Bengals poached him off of a division rival, and are hoping that he can continue to show the ball hawking tendencies that he did in Baltimore.
Vonn Bell makes up the second part of the three headed monster. After a quick stint in Carolina, he returns to Cincinnati on a very team friendly deal. While there is a chance that Jordan Battle starts, Bell’s veteran presence likely gives him the edge to start at SS. Communication was an issue for the defence last season, and Bell should help with that.
Even if Bell starts at SS, Battle should still see his share of snaps as the rotational third guy. He had a very promising rookie season and would likely be starting this year, had Bell not become available. Battles seems to be the long term replacement, and being able to develop slowly and learn behind Bell is a good thing.
After the top three, some battles (no pun intended) will be taking place. I am very curious to see how Tycen Anderson performs. An injury cost him most of last season, and he has kind of been forgotten about since then. But he had a great preseason last year. If he puts up some similar performances, keeping him off the roster will be tough.
Rookie Daijahn Anthony also will factor into the competition. I’m not particularly high on his skill set, as he doesn’t have a strong athletic profile. However, his versatility and ability against the run are both things that Lou Anarumo likely was attracted to. If the Bengals only keep 4 at safety, it could come down to Anderson or Anthony.
PJ Jules and Michael Dowell round out the unit. Both are rookie undrafted free agents, and both have a similar skill set. Hybrid slot/box safety types who are hard hitters and limited athletes. The Bengals have an abundance of this skill set, so I envision them having a tough time. Of course, a good offseason can always change things, but they seem to be battling just for a spot on the practice squad.
Modified Featured Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)