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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping their offseason moves can improve their defensive unit, which cost the team wins last season. Moreover, could the Bengals land one of the top players in the NFL Draft at the No. 10 position?
In an article published on March 31, ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes that Cincinnati is the ideal team for former Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs.
“I think Downs could go higher in the top 10, but this was the best fit in my eyes after the Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook in free agency,” Bowen wrote. “Under coordinator Al Golden, Downs would be an interchangeable safety. He could rotate low in single-high zone, while playing over the top from depth.
“Plus, with Downs’ ability to create disruption near the line of scrimmage, Golden can play him as a big nickelback in three-safety personnel. He has the urgent play demeanor to set the identity of Cincinnati’s defense.”
Last season with the Buckeyes, Downs posted an 83.9 overall PFF defensive grade, placing him 38th among 914 qualified safeties. His coverage grade of 87.0 ranked 37th, while his run-defense grade of 83.0 put him 64th at the position.
Downs recorded two interceptions and had one pass breakup. When targeted, opposing quarterbacks posted a 47.9 passer rating against him, and he allowed 23 receptions in coverage. He also added 44 solo tackles.
Jonathan Allen Excited to Join the Bengals Revamped Defense
Another addition that the Bengals made on defense was veteran Jonathan Allen. On March 13, Allen spoke with the media about signing with the Bengals, and one of the reasons Cincinnati was an ideal spot for him was that he sees himself fitting into the schemes of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and defensive coordinator Al Golden.
“That’s one of the things that excited me the most about coming here,” Allen said (h/t Bengals.com). “They’re talking about moving me around, getting some one-on-ones and really being able to get after the passer and shut down the run, the things I love to do.”
Cincinnati Receives Praise for Jonathan Allen Signing
Moreover, Cincinnati is receiving praise for the move to add Allen from FOX Sports’ Eric Williams, who labeled this signing as one of the Top 10 under-the-radar signings this offseason.
“Released by the Minnesota Vikings at the start of free agency in a cost-cutting move, the 31-year-old Allen brings grit and experience to a Cincinnati defense that struggled to get off the field all season,” Williams wrote in his article published on March 27.
“Even with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joe Burrow, the Bengals have missed the playoffs the last three seasons. Yes, Allen has struggled from a production standpoint in producing sacks, with just 12 over the last three seasons. But Allen should be more of an impact player as a situational pass rusher with a reduction in snaps.
“And the Bengals could use competency and versatility up front defensively. Allen joins former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City to add reinforcements to a Cincinnati defense that finished No. 30 in scoring last season.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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