Undrafted free agents always have a chance to make the final roster in Cincinnati.
The Bengals have done well for themselves rather often on the open market right after a draft and this year could be no exception. After the team announced 10 college free agent signings, let’s take a look at the players most likely to make the final roster.
DT Tyler Clark, Georgia
Oh look, another Georgia defensive lineman.
Not that we’re suggesting Clark turns into Geno Atkins. But he’s got intriguing upside at 6’3″ and 289 pounds. He had more than 30 starts for the Bulldogs and has played in a variety of fronts, which grants him some versatility.
There’s going to be a big competition in the trenches this summer and Clark’s makeup and versatility could help him pull off an upset.
EDGE Kendall Futrell, East Carolina
The most productive defender for East Carolina last year, Futrell put up 11 sacks and was on plenty of NFL radars as a priority free agent.
It’s all about projectable versatility. If Futrell can make the transition to standing up and dropping into coverage from time to time he has a chance and shouldn’t go overlooked.
OL Josh Knipfel, Iowa State
The offensive line is wide open.
And Knipfel is just their sort of guy — he was a co-captain and started 39 straight games. He’s also a massive 6’6″ and 309 pounds. If he shows he can play inside or out, the versatility alone might earn him a backup job because it can help them crunch roster numbers and keep somebody else at a different spot.
OLB Marcel Spears, Jr., Iowa State
Don’t sleep on Spears just because the team drafted three ‘backers.
Spears also started 39 games, was plenty productive against the pass and featured as a co-captain. He’s a little “undersized” just like some of the draft picks but plays bigger. Consistency and character are big positives that won’t go overlooked if he adapts quickly.
WR Scotty Washington, Wake Forest
Wideout is going to have a wicked roster battle this summer too.
But it’s hard to miss Washington, a 6’5″, 217-pound prospect who will remind some of Auden Tate. He averaged a gaudy per-catch average north of 17 last year.
And one more thing — he might have an advantage on almost everyone else because he trained with Joe Burrow out west before the draft.
