Linebacker is one of the biggest needs the Cincinnati Bengals figure to address in the 2020 NFL draft.
Cincinnati added Josh Bynes in free agency but clearly still needs some help alongside Germaine Pratt as it retools arguably its worst positional group.
Here’s a look at a linebacker to consider for the Bengals in each round based on prospect value and fit.
Round 1: Patrick Queen, LSU
With Isaiah Simmons looking like a potential top-10 pick, we’re gearing in on a player who might be available in the middle of Round 1 if the Bengals trade back up from the start of the second:
Patrick Queen.
Queen is a prototypical three-down linebacker in the modern sense thanks to his fit inside but versatility to drop into coverage. He’s probably not going to fall to the first pick of Round 2 for many reasons — but he’d sure look incredible starting next to Germaine Pratt.
Round 2: Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Murray is more Cincinnati’s speed at the top of Round 2.
If he makes it there.
Murray is an explosive player with elite range who can start inside and disrupt right up the middle when not developing as a coverage threat. He’d be an incredible weapon for the multiple look the Bengals employ.
Round 3: Troy Dye, Oregon
Waiting until the third round to address linebacker is likely playing with fire.
But Troy Dye isn’t a bad consolation prize. He’s a 6’4″, 225-pound presence with four years of starting experience at a big program. Athletic, fast and with potential doing versatile things like dropping into coverage, he’d be a nice developmental fit while learning from a guy like Josh Bynes.
Round 4: Joe Bachie, Michigan State
The Bengals have already been linked to Joe Bachie, so he’s worth a mention in his value range here.
Bachie put in three years of major work in the Big Ten, showing off good technique and — at the least — showing serviceable work in coverage in zone. There are situational, leadership and special teams boons to adding a guy of his caliber.
Round 5: Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Another four-year player with massive production just screams “Bengals pick” at a position of need.
Wilson put up big numbers for Wyoming while showing off good recognition and attacking ability. He’s not going to drop deep down the field and make a major difference but he isn’t going to be the guy opposing offenses make an attempt to exploit on every down either.
Round 6: Markus Bailey, Purdue
Quietly, Bailey is one of the more interesting late-round linebacker names to know because some medical concerns might knock him down that far.
Bailey is actually pretty good in coverage and has a huge ability to read, diagnose and react well. He’s not going to win one-on-ones with big tight ends, but he’ll be a staple of keeping plays in front of him and shutting them down.
In this range, you’re also looking at stellar special teams players.
Round 7: Jacob Phillips, LSU
Why not add another LSU guy?
Phillips isn’t going to shock anyone with his coverage abilities or quickness to diagnose. But throw him at blockers, ask him to blitz and disrupt and he’s got a nice situational role.
Phillips has some developmental upside to boot and in this round, nailing down a surefire special-teams contributor isn’t a bad value.
