Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Position Overview: LB
Players:
55. Logan Wilson
57. Germaine Pratt
59. Akeem Davis-Gaither
51. Markus Bailey
49. Joe Bachie
44. Clay Johnston
47. Keandre Jones
50. Clarence Hicks (OLB)
53. Carson Wells
The LB unit took the big step forward last year that was expected of them. Heading into the 2022 season, the position should once again serve as a strength of the team.
With the Bengals primarily playing in nickel, Logan Wilson and Germain Pratt will serve as the starters. Wilson had an outstanding second season. He played so well that Germaine Pratt’s impressive season largely went unsung. The duo provide the Bengals with both run stopping ability, and the ability to make plays in coverage.
Akeem Davis-Gaither seems like the odds on favourite to land the 3rd spot. Injuries have limited his playing time to date, but we have seen flashes of the impressive coverage ability he showed in college.
The 4th spot could be up for grabs. At this point, you could make a solid argument for either one of Bailey, Bachie, or Johnston.
Bailey has improved a little since entering the league as a 7th round pick. Further, his ability on special teams comes close to at least locking up a roster spot.
Bachie spent part of last season on the practice squad, before eventually being signed to the roster when injuries hit. He did well, showing out as a strong tackler, and exceeding expectations in coverage.
Clay Johnston also ended up seeing playing time due to injuries, and he made some solid plays as well, including big ones in the playoffs. From a traits perspective, I don’t see too much separating the three. How each of them perform in the offseason could determine their place on the depth chart. Further, with the Bengals keeping less LB’s in recent years, the odd man out might have to settle for a spot on the practice squad.
After the top 6 mentioned, the rest are likely battling for practice squad spots. Keandre Jones headlines the rest of them. He has been with the team for a little bit now. He hasn’t seen a ton of playing time, but he is an athletic player with the ability to contribute on special teams. Definitely has a good shot at the practice squad.
Hicks and Wells are both rookie UDFA’s. Hicks is an interesting one, as he is more of a LB/edge rusher hybrid. He is a tweener for sure, but maybe he is someone that they keep around as a developmental player, with a special role in mind. As for Wells, he is moreso in the mould of a situational run stuffer. Given that tackling is the strength of Bailey, Bachie, and Johnston, I think that Wells will have the toughest time pushing for a spot.
