The Cincinnati Bengals are a team with major star players on both sides of the ball.
But sleepers exist, too.
Joe Burrow’s offense has some fantastic sleepers to keep an eye on during training camp in the coming days and weeks.
And so does what is now Dexter Lawrence’s defense.
Here’s a quick look at defensive sleepers to know on the defensive side of the ball for the Bengals.
Bengals sleeper players in training camp
EDGE Cedric Johnson
A sixth-round pick in 2024, Cedric Johnson actually had one sack in nine games for the Bengals as a rookie before appearing in another nine with two sacks during his second year. He’s got versatility and upside to keep growing as a player while the spotlight otherwise focuses on free-agent signing Boye Mafe, rookie Cashius Howell and former first-round picks Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart.
DT Landon Robinson
Landon Robinson was a fan favorite seventh-round pick by the Bengals. He reminds some, in frame only, of Geno Atkins. But he’s a “sleeper” because he has a long way to go. Lawrence, BJ Hill, TJ Slaton and Jonathan Allen aren’t going anywhere. They’re still hoping Kris Jenkins develops, too, never mind the other guys on the depth chart. Robinson has some huge upside that could see him make plenty of noise over the summer and during preseason games, though.
LB Eric Gentry
Eric Gentry went undrafted, in part, because of his odd measurements at 6’7” and 221 pounds. But there’s something coaches will want to explore with his 99th percentile arm length of 35 inches, giving him a wicked wingspan. He’s going to need a strong preseason to show he can hold up, but the linebacker spot is boring otherwise.
CB Bralyn Lux
While onlookers focus on Jalen Davis and even free-agent signing Ja’Sir Taylor, Bralyn Lux might be able to steal the slot corner job. He joined the Bengals last year via undrafted free agency and finally got elevated for the final two games of the season. He’s got the upside, traits and experience in the system to swipe a job at a spot the Bengals didn’t bother upgrading this offseason.
S PJ Jules
PJ Jules already made noise at offseason workouts. He was part of that underwhelming safety spot last year and didn’t grab a starting spot when it was wide open during the season, sure. But by all accounts, he’s turned things around now. Jules won’t steal a starting spot, of course, but he could be a guy who goes from “final cut” projections to 53 lock pretty quickly.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals training camp sleepers to watch at every position on defense
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chris Roling, Bengals Wire | USA TODAY Network
