Bengals Training Camp Preview: S
Players:
22. Geno Stone
27. Jordan Battle
33. Daijahn Anthony
26. Tycen Anderson
47. Shaquon Loyal
43. Jaylen Key
37. PJ Jules
As we entered the offseason, there was speculation as to whether the Bengals would revamp their S room. Stone turned out to be a big flop of a signing for roughly the first three quarters of the season, before improving in the last little bit. Battle is a young player and a good prospect, but was a bit up and down last year, even starting the season as a backup. I’m confident in what he can do going forward, but thought that we might see an upgrade at the position next to his. But as it turned out, the Bengals reworked Stone’s deal, saving a little bit of cap room, and decided to keep him.
After Sone’s deal was reworked, and the Bengals did not add a S in the draft, it is pretty much confirmed that he will retain his starting spot at FS. The player who had been known as a ball hawk in Baltimore didn’t show up until late last season, and he instead was a big liability for much of it. With him back for another season, the Bengals will be hoping that he created momentum in that last bit. With nobody of note behind him on the depth chart, it will be sink or swim with Stone at FS.
Battle had a tough start to last season. Lou Anarumo criticized him in training camp, and it took him several weeks to get the starting SS job that most thought he was locked into. He was generally solid last year, but did have his poor moments. I’m still bullish on what he can bring to the table, especially closer to the line of scrimmage. However, he’ll need to be more consistent for the team to have success.
Anthony, now entering his second season, got much of the playing time that came at Battle’s expense. He had a good camp last year, and Anarumo seemed to trust him, despite him being a rookie. Unfortunately, his pass interference penalty cost the Bengals a win in Kansas City, and he soon fell out of favour. He shouldn’t have any trouble making the team, but I’d be surprised if he gets a starting spot again. Anthony can backup both spots, and I’d imagine him being first off the bench.
Anderson had some injury troubles early on in his career, which made him take longer to establish himself. But last season, he was able to earn a spot on the roster, and became one of the team’s best special teamers. He is a depth guy from a defensive standpoint, but his ability on special teams gives him a strong chance to make the team.
Loyal is a rookie UDFA. When I watched his college tape, his hard hitting style stood out immediately, as did his ability to ball hawk. He can put the kind of flashes on tape that might just see him somehow pry a roster spot away from someone else. However, his struggles to stay tight in coverage make it more likely that he ends up as a developmental project on the practice squad.
Key was a 7th round pick of the New York Jets last season. In fact, he was last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, as the last overall pick in the draft. He spent time on their practice squad before being released. In December, he caught on with the Bengals on the practice squad, and they gave him a futures contract following the season’s end. Key will be in the mix for a practice squad spot, with Loyal and Jules being his main competition for either one or two spots.
Jules rounds out the group. He was a rookie UDFA signing by the Bengals last season. After spending last season on the practice squad, he returns to compete for a spot. The hard hitting box S will have to contend with Loyal and Key, but he isn’t the best athlete, and has troubles in coverage. He’ll get his chance to battle for it, but I have him behind the other two, entering trading camp.
