A late surge for the Cincinnati Bengals under Al Golden is one of the reasons the franchise is content to run it back with head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin in 2026.
Some Bengals fans will bemoan the idea after seeing similar musings from the franchise in past years, dating well back into the Marvin Lewis days.
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But to his credit, Tobin was able to specifically tick off three key players he’s seen growth from over the last few months that provide such hope.
“I see growth in a 24-year-old Myles Murphy and young corners who have taken the jump, and (safety) Jordan Battle who has taken the jump,” Tobin told reporters.
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Tobin added this about the unit and overall state of things: “It would be a different story if I didn’t see young players progressing and, I didn’t see a progression of understanding, knowledge, and execution of our defense.”
Beyond the Murphy and Battle mentions, Tobin specifically highlighted cornerback DJ Turner as one of those ascending building blocks.
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While there are obvious problems with Tobin and the organization’s approach, it’s tough to argue on the development of Turner (who earned an All-Pro vote) and Murphy. Battle has seemingly been more erratic, but shoring up the front seven could help him continue to ascend.
If nothing else, it shows onlookers who the Bengals target as building blocks, in addition to obvious names like Shemar Stewart, going into 2026 and beyond. Everything else is very much up for grabs as the franchise approaches free agency and the draft.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals brass hint at defensive building blocks for 2026