The Cincinnati Bengals have big plans for the core pieces of the linebacker unit in the coming years.
Cincinnati already extended Germaine Pratt this offseason after his brief stint to free agency, bringing back a player who dramatically improved in coverage and continues to progress across the board.
The Bengals aren’t forgetting about the need to get Logan Wilson extended either, given his own development and importance to the defense.
Even so, the Bengals duo didn’t fair too hot in leaguewide linebacker rankings from Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema. Both slot in “Tier 5” at 20th or worse in a tier described as talented but inconsistent.
The writeup said the following about Pratt:
Pratt graded out well on the surface level but actually finished the season with more negatively graded plays than positive ones. Still, it was a step in the right direction for him, going from a 46.1 coverage grade in 2021 to an 89.5 grade this past season.
The Bengals can’t complain too much about the slotting though, with Lou Anarumo’s defense really known for its stellar play along the defensive line and at spots in the secondary lately.
For Pratt and Wilson especially, it’s just another mark in the underdog-vibe column. Provided they keep fitting what Anarumo’s defense needs so well, all involved won’t mind what any sort of rankings say.
