NFL rookies typically have to work their way up the depth chart during the summer, especially if they were not selected in the first round of the draft. As with all rules, there are often exceptions. The Cincinnati Bengals have such an exception this year at the linebacker spot.
Second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr, the 49th overall pick in April’s draft out of South Carolina, has already been thrown into the lion’s den. Following his time working with Logan Wilson on the first team during OTAs, Knight is continuing to work with the first team on the first day of training camp practice for the Bengals.
With the Bengals able to come to terms on a contract with Knight just before camp opened, the door was open for Knight to remain in the mix to be the replacement for Germaine Pratt, who was released during the offseason and has since signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Knight is “dialed in” as he begins his first NFL training camp, with him already expected to be in the starting lineup Week 1 when the Bengals visit the Cleveland Browns.
Knight had 82 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and two sacks in 13 games last season for the Gamecocks. He played 61 total games in college between South Carolina, Charlotte and Georgia Tech, totaling 229 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Demetrius Knight ‘dialed in’ as he begins first NFL training camp
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
