The Cincinnati Bengals need a big turnaround from the defense in 2025 after resetting around a youth movement and new coordinator Al Golden.

One NFL expert, at least, likes what the Bengals have done and the upside present on the unit.

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NFL Films’ Greg Cosell recently sat down on Ross Tucker’s podcast and highlighted second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. and Dax Hill as key spots for the unit.

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Knight has been a bright spot for the Bengals already and appears well on his way to starting next to Logan Wilson. Cosell’s note about him being older for a rookie is a point showing up already, too.

As for Hill, there was some speculation about where he might line up at corner this offseason. He could start on the boundary where he flashed last year, or start in the slot if second-year Josh Newton isn’t ready to play that Mike Hilton role.

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No matter how it shakes up, some of the new core pieces in place are certainly reasons for optimism.

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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals defense gets a big endorsement from NFL expert