The Cincinnati Bengals dipped into the familiarity well with Appalachian State linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither in the 2020 NFL draft’s fourth round.
And Davis-Gaither is a fun prospect who projects as a more modern linebacker who can play a hybrid role between safety and linebacker.
There’s value in getting such a chess piece for Lou Anarumo’s multiple defense. There’s also a ton of value in this odd offseason to getting a guy they’re familiar with via the Senior Bowl, where the Bengals made him a captain.
But there are a few drawbacks to this pick. For one, ADG comes with a slightly concerning injury history, which features a recent stress fracture in his foot that derailed some of his pre-draft plans.
And two, doubling up on linebacker after Logan Wilson in the third isn’t the best overall value with quality offensive linemen on the board. By passing on an offensive tackle like Ben Bartch or Prince Tega Wanogho, the Bengals are adamant in having a competition with unknowns like Billy Price, Michael Jordan and Fred Johnson, which could prove problematic in front of Joe Burrow. There was always a chance the ADG would’ve kept falling due to injury concerns.
Disclaimer — there is a chance ADG could make this grade look very, very silly, quickly. He’s a superb athlete who fits the modern NFL mold well. But his level of competition, injuries and other available prospects dampen things ever so slightly.
For now, this is a defensive chess piece worth expressing some cautious optimism over as the Bengals continue the defensive overhaul.
Grade: B
