The names being kicked around for Cincinnati’s possibilities in the first round Rodney Anderson Cincinnati Bengals Jersey , but who are some other under-the-radar players on defense that can help them in the later ones?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBABreaking NewsKeep track of the 2019 Bengals draft脳The Orange & Black InsiderBengals NewsNFL Draft9 sleeper picks on defense the Bengals could target in the NFL DraftNew,49commentsThe names being kicked around for Cincinnati’s possibilities in the first round, but who are some other under-the-radar players on defense that can help them in the later ones?EDTShareTweetShareShare9 sleeper picks on defense the Bengals could target in the NFL DraftThe Cincinnati Bengals need help on both sides of the ball this year. Health was a major factor to a 2-9 finish on the season, but the uncovering of band-aids showed some major wounds on the roster. This was particularly the case for the defense, who set record marks in futility. Whether it was against the run or pass, many usually-solid players looked lost or disinterested at times for the team. Much like it is with the label of “value picks”, “sleeper” is a subjective term. Projected round of drafting, being placed on radars because of visits, and other factors provide differing levels of prospect visibility. Here are some players who could help the Bengals’ defense in the later rounds of the upcoming NFL DraftDefensive lineThe Bengals have acquired some solid talent along the line the past couple years, particularly in the middle rounds, but the defense needs an influx of talent to make a quantum leap from last year’s deplorable rankings. Depending on the type of player profile they covet, there are some hidden gems in this class. Cortez Broughton, defensive tackle, Cincinnati: The former Bearcat is a guy more in the Geno Atkins mold, who penetrates the backfield often and impacts the passing game. He had 7.5 sacks last year, and a whopping 18.5 tackles for loss. He’s a developmental guy, but could become a nice rotational piece on rush downs for a club. With Atkins getting up there in age, grooming another defensive tackle who can get into the backfield would be wise. Albert Huggins, defensive tackle, Clemson: Lost in the formidable Tigers defensive line group comprised of Clellin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins is Huggins. He isn’t the pass-rush threat that Ferrell or Wilkins are, but could become a solid NFL player. He’s more of the run-stopping variety, which is okay for the Bengals, who were 29th on defense in that category last year. Cincinnati has traditionally liked to use mid and late-round picks on interior linemen, so Huggins can fit the profile. But, while Huggins shined for Lawrence during his suspension, questions linger about the impact of surrounding help on his numbers. Justin Hollins, edge Rodney Anderson Jersey 2019 , Oregon: Hollins is more of a 3-4 build (248 pounds at the Combine), but could find a niche as a rotational edge player for Cincinnati. Hollins has the build and athleticism NFL teams love from outside rushers, but his college numbers don’t really back up the potential (just 11 sacks combined the past two seasons).He is a stark contrast from the builds of the ends Marvin Lewis collected over the years, but could be a nice complementary piece to guys like Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson. The futures of both Michael Johnson (free agent) and Jordan Willis (underachievement) with the Bengals are cloudy, so the door might be open for a late pick like Hollins. Maxx Crosby, edge, Eastern Michigan: This is another player a recent OBI listener turned us on to, and he has the tools to again be a rotational contributor at the next level. Kyle Crabbs over at The Draft Network likes some of his technique and potential, but notes that Crosby is a guy who needs to develop strength for the next level. Whether that’s for finishing plays or shedding blocks, it’s a must that he adds some bulk to his 6’5” frame. LinebackerThe Bengals seemingly shored up their inside linebacker position with their re-signing of Preston Brown, but a lack of other signings and their release of Vontaze Burfict a couple of weeks ago leaves more questions. They need guys who can play in space and defend the pass, but the group was deplorable against the run as well. While most mock drafts have the Bengals going with one of “the Devin’s” at No. 11, there are other viable options if they don’t, or decide to double-dip. Cody Barton, Utah: Despite their improvement in their draft hauls during the Marvin Lewis era from the one that preceded it, the Bengals still often tip their hand on some of their strategies. Cincinnati has shown interest in Barton by keeping close tabs on him at his recent Pro Day, so we decided to place him on this list. He had some great workout numbers and could be an interesting prospect on day three for a team that needs athletic linebackers. Barton is kind of known as a jack-of-all-trades after a solid statistical senior season. Cameron Smith, USC: Smith was a guy who was supposed to be the next in a line of great Trojan linebackers, but it never fully came to fruition. He did become a pretty solid college player, but a lack of big plays after his freshman year, and not truly living up to expectations has hurt his draft stock. He should be a pretty good pro inside linebacker, too. Smith will truly shine with a good defensive line in front of him, which would allow him to use his sound instincts to be omnipresent around the football. He’ll probably be selected in rounds three or four. Joe Giles-Harris, Duke: This kid fills the checklist of the traditional Bengals linebacker. More of a run-stopping thumper who is limited in pass coverage, Giles-Harris could still give the Bengals depth at their weakest group. He’s known as having a high football I.Q. though, so what he lacks in overall athleticism is made up by his diagnosing of plays. That only gets you so far in the NFL, though. SecondaryDavid Long, cornerback, Michigan: The last time the Bengals grabbed a high-profile corner from the Wolverines Color Rush Rodney Anderson Jersey , it worked out pretty well in the form of Leon Hall. Long isn’t the talent that Hall was, but does have some similarities in being physical and being a press coverage defensive back. He ran pretty well at the Combine with a 4.45 40-yard dash time, but his size and length brings worries. He could be a good third or fourth corner for a team early in his career and should be a third or fourth-round pick. Sheldrick Redwine, safety, Miami: People like what this kid brings from a versatility and skill set standpoint. He had three interceptions last year, showing off his former cornerback abilities as a safety. Because of the transition, there is more needed development from the standpoint of diagnosing plays and not getting lost in complicated looks from an offense. Still, as a mid-round guy, he has a lot of tools to become a solid NFL starter after he gets some pro experience under his belt. If you’re unable to join us live for here at Cincy Jungle or YouTube every episode, all Orange and Black Insider content is available here on CJ, the Stitcher, Spotify and Google Play Music apps, our YouTube channel, as well as through Megaphone and, as always, on iTunes! You can tweet us @BengalsOBI or get in touch with us via email at theobinsider@gmail.com. Thanks for listening and go subscribe to our channels! The Bengals made a big upgrade in the secondary in 2018, but could be losing a long-time fixture in free agency."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBABreaking NewsKeep track of the 2019 Bengals draft脳2018 Bengals position review: Defensive backsNew,10commentsThe Bengals made a big upgrade in the secondary in 2018, but could be losing a long-time fixture in free agency.ESTShareTweetShareShare2018 Bengals position review: Defensive backsAaron Doster-USA TODAY SportsInjuries and poor scheme completely incapacitated the Bengals’ defense in 2018, but their defensive backs were hardly a liability. A good mix of veterans and first/second-year players gave Cincinnati a playmaking secondary that attempted to carry the rest of the unit when it faltered. A couple key moves sparked the formation of this group, and a few more are needed to maintain stability and enhance it even further than where it is now.Key players:William JacksonDre KirkpatrickDarqueze DennardShawn WilliamsJessie BatesClayton Fejedelem2019 potential free agents:Darqueze Dennard2018 SummaryAfter what would have been a breakout season in 2017 (if the national media paid attention to the Bengals) Williams Jackson took a step back in 2018. Coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball likely played a role in this, as former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin seemed to have a negative impact on the production of just about everyone around him. Dre Kirkpatrick had his ups and downs, but was at least serviceable opposite Jackson. Darqueze Dennard continued to play well in the slot corner position and saw a drop off when pushed to the outside. KeiVarae Russell and rookie Darius Phillips both were impressive when injuries to other players gave them a chance to compete.After drafting Jessie Bates in the 2nd round, the Bengals were so confident in him that they were able to move on from veteran George Iloka before the season began. This was a bit of a surprise, but once Bates took the field, there was little doubt that it was the right decision. Around the middle of the season, there was a legitimate argument for Bates as the defensive rookie of the year. Players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James have some unique qualities that will serve them well in the NFL, but Bates was the best pure free safety from the 2018 NFL Draft class. This gave the Bengals something they desperately needed defensively. Bates was not just impressive for a rookie, but seems to be on track to establish himself as one of the leagues best. Opposite him is veteran Shawn Williams Cheap Rodney Anderson Jersey , who is more of a rock-down player. Williams continued to play at a high level in 2018. Clayton Fejedelem looked impressive when called upon to fill in at the safety position. He seems to have a knack for always being around the football.2019 Outlook and NeedJackson needs to take a step forward in 2019, make his pet pig Annabelle proud, and establish himself as one of the leagues top cornerbacks. Many fans love to hate on Kirkpatrick, but he is a decent No. 2 cornerback in the NFL. For what he’s getting paid, you’d like for him to be more consistent, but this is where we’re at. The trouble with Kirkpatrick is that his let-downs tend to be exposed and come at the worst possible times. With Jackson and Kirkpatrick, the Bengals do not have an Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters kind of duo, but they have a good pair. Think about it like this: Kirkpatrick is easily top 50 in the league at his position. With 32 teams in the league, cornerbacks ranked 33-48 would be in the top half of No. 2 cornerbacks. An upgrade would be great, but he is nowhere near the top of their list of problems. The Bengals have historically kept their cornerbacks on one side of the field and very rarely allowed Jackson to shadow a team’s best receiver. This has to change under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who was most recently a defensive backs coach. It is not even necessarily about the best player, but the best matchup. People talk all the time about matchups offensively, but defenses can dictate them as well. Kirkpatrick can cover bigger receivers well, but is not great against smaller, shiftier guys. Freeing Jackson and Kirkpatrick to follow an optimal matchup would allow the Bengals to get the most out of them.Dennard has been very good in the nickel corner role, but will soon enter free agency if the Bengals don’t re-sign him. If he enters the market, it is likely that the Bengals will not be able to get him back. The Bengals definitely should not want to overpay for Dennard, and it may be good for them to find someone who can defend more shifty slot receivers more effectively. Phillips could definitely fit the bill there, and fellow rookie Davontae Harris (who missed most of 2018 with injury) also has the skill set to play in the slot. Having said that, it is important to remember that in today’s NFL, nickel defense is base defense. This is a starter in the secondary, and a new staff putting their faith in a second-year player who has seen limited action would be a mistake. They would be wise to acquire a veteran at the position, or used an early to mid-round pick on a slot corner. The Bengals should feel pretty good about the safety position. Bates had an impressive rookie year with three interceptions and with continued growth could become one of the league’s best. Williams has been very good for the past couple of seasons as well, although this has been overlooked by many. Fejedelem is a good backup and situational player, but the Bengals could afford to add additional depth to the position,