Bengals Training Camp Preview: CB
Players:
29. Cam Taylor-Britt
23. Daxton Hill
20. DJ Turner
28. Josh Newton
35. Jalen Davis
38. DJ Ivey
24. Marco Wilson
21. Bralyn Lux
41. Nate Brooks
On paper, the Bengals look pretty talented at CB. Over the last few seasons, they have invested a lot of high-end draft capital at the position, and have an abundance of players with high-end athleticism. Despite the upside that the position group should have, last season was a train wreck. Injuries, including Hill’s torn ACL, factored in. However, a big step backwards in Taylor-Britt’s play also played a big part in the struggles that we saw. At certain points, it got so bad that he had to be benched.
Heading into next season, Taylor-Britt will still have his starting spot on the boundary. However, we will need to see the earlier version of him–the one who’s athleticism and physicality allowed him to shut down opponents’ top receivers. Not the one that was getting burned often. If the defence is to get back on track, a resurgence from the former 2nd round is almost a necessity. Things will be different with Al Golden running things on the defensive side of the ball. We’ll see if he can help get him back on track.
Right now, it seems as though the Bengals are intent on keeping Hill as the other outside CB. In his time as a starter last year, he actually played pretty well. However, going back to his college days, his best fit seems to be in the slot, and some still feel like he can reach another level if he is back on the inside. In any event, Hill is expected to be a big part of the defence. Coming off a torn ACL, high-end play can’t be taken for granted, but the reports thus far have been positive.
With Hill seemingly set into one of the outside spots, it leaves Turner and Newton to battle for the slot position. Turner has the higher draft pedigree, better athleticism, and was quietly pretty solid last season. Really, he has the talent to play on the outside, but his lack of length is the one hangup. But this is less of an issue on the inside.
Despite Turner being the more talented player, the Bengals sound like they are going to really give Newton a chance to grab the position. He isn’t the same kind of athlete that Turner is, and instead is cut from the same cloth as Mike Hilton as a slot CB. Newton is an aggressive player and can bring the physicality down low, both in run support and as a blitzer. The contrasting styles between him and Turner will make for an interesting battle, that sees the winner claim the slot position, and the loser serve as CB4, being first off the bench in the case of an injury.
I would expect the Bengals to keep at least 6 CB’s on the roster, which would leave 2 more spots up for grabs. 3 if they keep 7 on the roster. The battle for the 5th spot likely comes down to Davis, Ivey, and Wilson. Davis has the most experience of the three. He is a slot CB who, in the past, has turned in some solid performances in relief. Ivey, a former Bengals 7th round pick, is extremely athletic, and possesses a lot of untapped potential. We’ll have to see how far along he is in his development. If the battle is close, I could see him getting the edge over all three. If not, he still has a strong chance to make the roster, given his strong special teams performances last season.
Wilson, meanwhile, was claimed off waivers part way through last season by the Bengals. In flashes, he also showed some upside, but was a bit up and down. If they keep 7 on the roster, he has a strong chance to make it. If they go with 6, he’ll probably have to beat out either Davis or Ivey. I’d have him behind both entering camp, but the battle should be open, and he is definitely still in the mix.
Lux, a rookie UDFA, may also have something to say in all of this. He seems like a slot guy, with enough quickness and cover talent to have some success in man coverage. I do see some potential in him, but the numbers game will make it trickier. I wouldn’t rule him out, as a couple of standout performances in the preseason could push him up a few spots, and possibly see him earn a place on the team. However, I think he enters camp near the bottom of the depth chart. If he doesn’t make the roster, he should be a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Brooks rounds out the unit. Originally a UDFA signing by the Cardinals in 2019, he has since spent time with over 10 teams, between the NFL and UFL. He spent all of 2024 with the Bengals on the practice squad. Perhaps he can get back there again, but that isn’t a guarantee. I’d consider him the longest shot for the roster, but as you often hear, surprises do happen.
Featured Image Via: Eli Marshall