The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has shown slight improvement since the bye week, but it still isn’t good enough. The Bengals are sitting at 4-10 and need to decide who on that defense is worth building around going into next year. Let’s take a look at who has been playing well enough for the Bengals to be comfortable enough to pencil in as a starter next year.
Who Are The Defenders The Bengals Should Build Around?
Honorable Mention: Shemar Stewart
Shemar Stewart hasn’t done anything this year to really give you any confidence in him for next season. He has only played in five games this season, recording zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and six tackles.
However, Stewart was the Bengals’ first-round pick this season. He will have to be a significant part of this defense moving forward, especially with Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai set to become free agents.
Honorable Mention: Jordan Battle
Jordan Battle has experienced his share of ups and downs this season. He has had some excellent moments this season and found himself in the right place multiple times, coming up with interceptions off tips. His tackling has been an issue at times, but many of his problems can be mitigated by playing next to a more reliable safety. If they add a veteran at free safety or someone like Caleb Downs, Battle can be a good piece on the defense.
3) Dax Hill
Dax Hill has been a solid player for the Bengals this season. They have played him both on the boundary and as a slot corner. Moving forward, the Bengals should consider moving Dax to the slot full-time, where his talent is best utilized. Playing him in the slot and bringing in another cornerback to play on the boundary with DJ Turner would give the Bengals a very good cornerback group.
2) Myles Murphy
At the start of this season, Murphy was thought of as a bust for the Bengals. However, as this season has progressed, Murphy has significantly improved his play and made himself look like a future starter for the Bengals.
Since the bye week, Murphy has three sacks and six quarterback hits, and his play has been even better than those stats suggest over these last five weeks. Murphy should be a big-time player for the Bengals next year.
1) DJ Turner
There is no question about who the best defensive player on the Bengals has been this season. Turner has a PFSN CB Impact Score of 90.2, which is sixth best in the league this year.
Turner has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is absolutely going to be pencilled in as one of the Bengals’ starting cornerbacks next season. The Begnals should be starting extension talks with Turner now.
