The Cincinnati Bengals continue to make the rounds searching out help at linebacker.
With Vontaze Burfict gone and Preston Brown back, the Bengals figure to make several selections at the position in the upcoming draft.
According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, the Bengals sent coaches to Utah’s pro day for Cody Barton. He tested off the charts at the combine at 6’2″ and 237 pounds, running a 4.64 40-yard dash, hitting 30 reps on the bench press and even running the three-cone drill in 6.9 seconds.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say: “Tough inside linebacker who relies on strength, effort and early diagnosis to rack up tackle production. Barton has played inside and outside, but he’s too small for SAM and may not be fluid enough for WILL linebacker duties.”
A solid Day 2 or 3 prospect, it will be interesting to see if Barton can turn his elite testing numbers into quality play at the next level. He’d at least immediately have a role on special teams and as a depth piece in Cincinnati.
