The Cincinnati Bengals are bolstering their defensive line ahead of their matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.On Thursday
Alex Erickson Jersey , the team signed free agent defensive lineman Anthony Zettel. To make room, running back Samaje Perine was waived, a move
previously reported.Zettel who measures in at 6-4, 275 pounds, is a fourth-year
player who was originally a college free agent signee of the Detroit Lions in
2016. He was with the Lions from 2016-17, before joining the Cleveland Browns in
2018. He was waived by Cleveland on final cuts this season. The defensive end
has played in 44 career games (16 starts), and has 70 tackles
Clayton Fejedelem Jersey , 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He’s likely being signed due to injuries that Carlos Dunlap and Carl Lawson was battling. Perine,
a third-year player, joined the Bengals on Sept. 1 as a waiver acquisition from
the Washington Redskins. He had played in all six games for Cincinnati this
season, and had four special teams tackles. The Bengals finally drafted a
linebacker, but it was worth the wait?"The first round was exciting, the second
round was confusing, and in the third round
http://www.thebengalslockerroom.com/authentic-john-ross-jersey , the Bengals finally found a player to fill their biggest need ,and it was a good
one.After years of neglect and stop-gap players like Kevin Minter and Karlos
Dansby, the house of cards that was the linebacker position finally collapsed in
2018. The position was a huge weakness full of players who struggled in
coverage, struggled to tackle, and struggled to stay healthy.Now, the Bengals
have made a move to change that by adding North Carolina State linebacker
Germaine Pratt with their third-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.What Pratt
brings to the BengalsSpeed: The Bengals needed an athletic upgrade at
linebacker, and they got it with Pratt. His testing is okay
Womens Billy Price Jersey , but his play speed is much better. He is always flying around and never seems to be out of a play. He has the speed to
make plays all from sideline to sideline, whether it be in the run game or the
pass game.Tackling: Getting to the ball carrier does not do much good if you
can’t make the tackle. The Bengals’ entire defense struggled to make tackles in
2018. Fortunately, they added a linebacker who does not struggle in that area.
Pratt is an excellent tackler. He hits hard and high bringing his hips through
the tackle for power. Pratt is equally skilled as a tackler in the open field or
in the gap.Coverage: Pratt is very good coverage linebacker, which is something
that the Bengals lack. He has the skill to play effectively in zone coverage and
the athletic ability to cover tight ends and big slots. This fills a big need
for the Bengals who have struggled with underneath coverage.Upside: In just his
first year as a starter and second year playing the position, Pratt had 104
tackles. He is really just learning to play linebacker, which means he has
plenty of room to grow. This was already a very good pick, but it could prove
even better as he develops in the Bengals defense.Why the Bengals picked
PrattNeed: Linebacker was the Bengals biggest need coming into the draft. They
likely would have drafted a linebacker earlier
Womens Hardy Nickerson Jersey , but they missed out on the Devin’s in Round 1, and there was not great value at the position in Round 2. Pratt will
have a chance to start as a rookie because the team really needs a shot of life
on defense and a long-term solution at linebacker.Skill: On film alone, I
actually graded Pratt above Devin Bush, but Bush’s combine obviously makes him
stand out. Pratt is a complete linebacker who makes plays in every facet of the
game. He has all the tools to step in and contribute from day one in the Queen
City.Versatility: Pratt has played inside and outside linebacker over the last
two seasons after starting is collegiate career as a safety. He is also flexible
in his role. He had two interceptions as a junior and 6 sacks in his senior
year, proving that he can frustrate a quarterback in multiple ways.
